If the twirling champagne flutes, seared scallop hors d’oervres and little black dress-adorned public relations staffers weren’t indication enough, yesterday’s widely publicized "private sale event" for the Ritz-Carlton Residences Waikiki Beach was a luxurious kickoff for a luxury hotel-condominium project marketed primarily to discerning buyers who appreciate, well, luxury.

"This a unique opportunity," said Jason Grosfeld, principal for PacRep LLC, the California-based company that will develop and own the property. "Waikiki is one of the most popular vacation destinations in the world but there has been very little available here."

The 38-story Ritz-Carlton Residences Waikiki Beach, which will stand at 2121 Kuhio Ave., will have 309 units — studios to three-bedroom apartments ranging from 400 square feet to more than 3,000 square feet. Prices run from $500,000 to $15 million.

Amenities include the requisite resort pools, spa and fitness center as well as Hawaii’s first Dean & DeLuca gourmet market.

The mixed-use development will also include the first Sushi Sho restaurant outside of Japan and the farm-to-table restaurant BLT Market.

A select group of about 75 pre-screened potential buyers crowded the project’s sales office and showroom on the aptly named Luxury Row stretch of Kalakaua Avenue on Saturday for the official release of a "reserve collection" of full oceanview units. The event was broadcast live to satellite venues in Tokyo and Shanghai — "an industry first," according to Grosfeld, and streamed via the project’s official website.

Grosfeld, whose previous projects include the Trump International Hotel Waikiki Beach Walk, said the Ritz-Carlton name is an instant draw for Japanese clientele.

"It’s by far the best brand for our customers from Asia," he said. "It’s the No. 1 luxury brand."

Grosfeld said the building, designed to appeal to international customers while maintaining a "Hawaiian sense of place," will help to upgrade the overall appearance of an area of Waikiki that has not seen significant development in decades.

The greatest local impact, however, will be economic, Grosfeld said. "There will be a ton of construction jobs," he said. "The project will require a lot of labor in general for the amenities, restaurants, spa — we’ll be a huge employer. And with more than 300 units, there will also be a lot of real estate taxes (generated)."

Saturday’s event was marked by brisk business from customers eager to secure one or more of the luxury units. Designated VIP clients were given first choice to select a unit in the roped-off upstairs showroom. A second round of selections was held shortly afterward for the merely elite buyers.

A giant video screen tracked the sales, with unit numbers disappearing from a illuminated floor plan as customers staked their claims. By mid-afternoon, about two-thirds of the units were off the board.

Frank Clark, president of Real Select USA, was on hand to represent several buyers from Asia.

"Japanese want convenience and this is right next to entertainment, beaches and shopping," Clark said.

"This project is positive for Waikiki in general," he said. "There are a lot of older buildings but not too many newer condos. It’ll be great for the economy."

Grosfeld predicted that most of the units would be used as seasonal residences for international clients. However, he also noted strong interest from some local buyers.

"I’m always looking for opportunities," said Kevin Aoki, scion of the Aoki family that founded the Benihana chain and who is founder and chief executive office of his own Doraku restaurants.

Aoki said he has been keeping tabs on the 388-unit Symphony Honolulu project in Kakaako and several other condominium projects on Oahu.

"I think it’s a good opportunity if you get in on the first round," he said. "I think it’s a good time if you are looking to buy and live in a new project. If you’re buying as an investor, I’d be concerned."