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Question: Ward Warehouse holds a lot of fond memories for many among my family and friends. With its announced closure/demolition in August, are there plans to salvage any of its structural materials? Many of the large wooden columns and braces still appear to be in sound condition. It would seem wasteful if this material were not recycled.
Answer: Yes, the company redeveloping that part of Kakaako into a high-rise, master-planned community plans to salvage some material, but exactly what and how hasn’t been nailed down.
“As we build Ward Village we are proud of our LEED-ND Platinum certification as the largest neighborhood in the country to receive such a prestigious sustainability certification. With our efforts to develop Ward Village in a sustainable manner, we are looking at how best to reuse and recycle the materials from buildings such as Ward Warehouse. We are currently in discussion with various parties to evaluate the opportunities for recycling materials and minimizing landfill impacts,” said Todd Apo, vice president for community development at The Howard Hughes Corp.
The company will share details about what is to be salvaged after plans are finalized, he said.
Ward Warehouse merchants were informed in February that the wrecking ball would come in August, according to news reports at the time. The restaurants, shops and other tenants had anticipated the news since 2014, when Hughes Corp. received state approval to build residential towers on the site. The shopping center was constructed in the early 1970s, largely of wood.
Q: What happened to Yunji de Nies? I’m always watching the KITV newscast, and I’ve noticed that I haven’t seen her as a newscaster for a while now.
A: The former KITV news co-anchor left the station at the end of February to focus on parenthood. She and her husband, Kent Walther, have a daughter, Kaya, who is almost 9 months old.
De Nies, who was with KITV from 2012 to 2017, said she was flattered to hear that Kokua Line readers were asking about her (you were one of several), and told us what she’s up to now.
“I am a full-time mom and part-time journalist — the mom part is a lot more work than any other job I’ve ever had — including covering the White House for ABC News! … It is also the most rewarding. … Each day brings new discoveries and challenges, but above all joy,” she said via a Facebook message.
On the news front, de Nies is part of a team hosting “Insights” on PBS Hawaii, does some video work for Honolulu Civil Beat and is working on freelance projects.
“Please tell your readers they can stay in touch with me through Facebook or Instagram. I’m @yunjid. I miss the viewers tremendously, but right now I’m focused on an audience of one.”
De Nies worked for ABC News for about six years before leaving the national network to join KITV, a move that brought her back to her home state.
Mahalo
Mahalo to the person who turned in my lost wallet to the Longs Drugs at Windward City Shopping Center on April 29. — A grateful senior citizen
Mahalo
A big mahalo to the big-hearted gentleman in a red T-shirt and dark glasses on his head. On April 28 he paid for my grocery bill at Times Beretania. So unexpected but much appreciated. Wishing him health and happiness in coming years. — N.K.U.
Write to Kokua Line at Honolulu Star-Advertiser, 7 Waterfront Plaza, Suite 210, 500 Ala Moana Blvd., Honolulu 96813; call 529-4773; fax 529-4750; or email kokualine@staradvertiser.com.
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