Question: What is the old Kam Drive-In site being used for? There are about 1,000 cars stored on the site, and it is very unattractive. If the developer was not ready to begin construction of the condo/shopping approved project, why did the firm close down the swap meet so early, taking away a very popular local meeting/shopping place, and replace it with a huge, unsightly parking lot?
Q: Will there be shuttle buses from the Kam Drive-In parking lot to the University of Hawaii football games at Aloha Stadium this year? I notice the parking lot is full of cars every day.
Answer: Kokua Line has received numerous questions about the Aiea property known as the old Kam Drive-In (which closed in 1998) and Kamehameha Swap Meet (which closed in March). The 14-acre parcel is envisioned as the future site of a residential and commercial development called Live, Work, Play, ‘Aiea. However, with that project stalled, the land has been leased to three automotive-industry tenants, according to a July 10 memo from the property manager to the chairman of the Aiea Neighborhood Board.
The memo states that Avalon Commercial LLC assumed property management in May and has since leased 100 percent of the parcel on a temporary, interim basis to:
>> Manheim, a vehicle-auction operation described as “North America’s leading provider of vehicle remarketing services, connecting buyers and sellers to the largest wholesale used vehicle marketplace and most extensive auction network.”
>> Servco, described as one of the top 50 auto dealers in the United States.
>> Today Auto, described as a “local small business auto dealer.”
We telephoned and emailed the memo’s author, Stacy Philippou, commercial property manager with Honolulu-based Avalon Commercial, asking about the lease terms, but received no response by deadline. We also emailed the property owner, California-based Robertson Properties Group, but got no response.
William Clark, chairman of the Aiea Neighborhood Board, said the memo was submitted as a quarterly update for the board’s July 10 meeting. It’s his understanding that the companies are storing vehicles there but not using the property as a sales lot.
The site at the corner of Moanalua Road and Kaonohi Street is zoned BMX-3, allowing for both residential and commercial use.
Philippou’s memo says tenants were selected “to reduce undesirable traffic but also maximize usage and coverage to increase visibility.” The site has 24-hour security; in addition, Avalon staff perform walk-throughs at least once a week to assess the property’s condition and address any problems that arise, the memo said.
As for the second reader’s question: No, the old Kam Drive-In lot will not be used for UH football game parking this season, said University of Hawaii spokesman Dan Meisenzahl. “Leeward Community College and Radford High School will continue to serve as alternate lots. For the 6 p.m. kickoff games, Leeward is open from 3:30 p.m. until an hour after the game and includes shuttle service ($2 per person round trip). Radford High School is open from 2:30 p.m. until one hour after the game, with a $5 parking fee and no shuttle service,” he said in an email.
Mahalo
A big mahalo to Dennis at the Kailua post office. His postal banter and attention to detail make sending packages a real treat. I always hope I get his station when it’s my turn in line. Best postal worker ever! — Steve
Mahalo
Mahalo to my helpful neighbor(s) who helped fill my rubbish bin this morning. I was feeling self-conscious about it being only half-full. — Walter
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.
