2025 /PRNewswire/ -- LaPour Partners ("LaPour") and Holualoa Companies ("Holualoa") closed on the land and secured planning approval for a new dual-branded AC Hotel by Marriott and Element by Westin The 8-story development will feature 240 guest rooms with 5,700 square feet of flexible indoor-outdoor meeting space The AC Hotel by Marriott will offer 142 guest rooms, and Element by Westin will offer an additional 98 extended stay guest rooms Located within the 100-plus-acre mixed-use CityNorth Master Plan ("CityNorth") in north Phoenix hotel guests will have convenient walkability to numerous nearby restaurants and entertainment amenities with easy access to Loop 101 Groundbreaking for the dual-branded AC Hotel by Marriott and Element by Westin is planned for Summer 2025 with an estimated completion of January 2027 LaPour and Holualoa previously partnered on the award-winning Marriott AC Biltmore in 2018 located on Camelback Road in the Phoenix Biltmore Corridor brand and design of this property will meet the current and future demands of the rapidly growing Loop 101 business corridor The area is experiencing unprecedented growth with multiple new corporate expansions as well as Mayo Clinic and ASU Biomedical campus." said Jeff LaPour president of LaPour "We are thrilled to partner with LaPour on another exceptional project that reflects our shared commitment to creating distinctive hospitality properties," said Aroon Chinai Chief Investment Officer at Holualoa Companies "This dual-branded hotel will not only elevate hospitality offerings in CityNorth but also contribute to the vibrant growth of North Phoenix." The project will also offer EV chargers among other sustainable features to achieve GreenKey Certification the leading standard of excellence in environmental responsibility and sustainable operations within the tourism industry Plans for CityNorth include over 2 million square feet of office approximately 3,400 multifamily units 1,000 hotel rooms and an abundance of retail and dining options Situated next to Desert Ridge Marketplace and adjacent to the prominent High Street retail area along 56th Street the master plan is anticipated to be developed over the next decade with Greystar Development having completed Sunela a 274-unit luxury multi-family development with several other projects under construction CityNorth has also announced its first major corporate user that is building its headquarters in CityNorth (expected completion in 2025) About LaPour PartnersOver the past 25 years LaPour Partners has established a legacy of delivering best in class real estate developments including hospitality, industrial and office space across Arizona, Colorado, and Nevada. visit lapour.com [email protected]  in collaboration with Mar-Gulf Management Inc the international real estate subsidiaries of.. Real Estate Hotels and Resorts Commercial Real Estate Travel Do not sell or share my personal information: The groundbreaking event is scheduled for March 20 marking a significant milestone in the company’s expansion Greenlight Communities, Arizona’s trailblazing developer of attainable rental housing, together with partner Holualoa Companies is set to break ground on its first Tempe community Cabana Kyrene will introduce 229 new rental homes These residences are thoughtfully designed to provide high-quality attainably priced housing for Arizona’s workforce “Expanding into Tempe is an exciting step for Greenlight Communities as we continue to address Arizona’s housing needs,” said Patricia Watts “South Tempe has seen very little new multifamily development in recent years and we are proud to bring the first attainable housing option to this part of the city.” only more than a handful of new apartment communities have been developed in South Tempe all of which are either luxury Class A properties or government-subsidized affordable housing Cabana Kyrene stands out as the first attainable/workforce apartment community in the area stylish rental options without the luxury price tag “Tempe thrives on diversity and opportunity and housing plays a critical role in ensuring that people who work here can also afford to live here,” said Tempe Mayor Corey Woods South Tempe has seen little in the way of new Greenlight Communities is helping to fill that gap with Cabana Kyrene providing much-needed housing options for our workforce and giving more people the opportunity to call Tempe home.” Cabana Kyrene is within three miles of over 60,000 jobs with major employers such as Kyrene School District 28 The site also offers excellent freeway access 60 (Superstition Highway) and about three miles from Loop 101 Residents of Cabana Kyrene will benefit from proximity to prominent attractions and Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport The surrounding area is also experiencing new commercial development further enhancing the neighborhood’s appeal With a lack of newer-built multifamily competition nearby Cabana Kyrene offers a unique opportunity for those seeking modern The March 20 groundbreaking event will bring together local officials and members of the Greenlight Communities and Holualoa Companies teams to celebrate the commencement of construction Greenlight Communities believes that everyone deserves to live in a home they can afford in a community that they love By disrupting the traditional apartment model Greenlight is able to develop attainable rental housing that meets the needs of today’s budget-conscious renter Combining modern design with technological advancements in construction and operations Greenlight’s Cabana and Streamliner apartment brands provide studio one and two-bedroom units in well-located communities throughout the metro Phoenix and Tucson markets Holualoa Companies is a real estate investment firm focused on the successful development repositioning and disposition of real estate assets Holualoa actively seeks opportunities that improve neighborhoods The company is a driving force behind a number of award-winning projects its investments span the United States and Europe and include Steve Lindley has been appointed chief operating officer of Holualoa Companies as previous COO Stanton Shafer transitions to a senior advisor role as a step toward retirement Lindley will be engaged in all facets of the company’s operations including the management of the portfolio of national and international properties and working with company leadership in sourcing and capitalizing acquisitions and development Lindley is an industry veteran with more than 30 years of experience in commercial real estate He most recently served as executive managing director in the capital markets group for Cushman & Wakefield advising sophisticated national and regional investor clients in the acquisition “Steve’s decades of experience and deep commitment to industry leadership will be a tremendous asset to our company as he oversees management of our portfolio of properties spanning the United States and Europe.” said Rick Kauffman “His background and character are ideal to enhance Holualoa’s culture of discipline patience and attention to detail that has produced superior results for our investors for almost 40 years.” who will be remaining with Holualoa as Senior Advisor as a step toward retirement after over 45 years in the real estate industry 13 of which were in his role as Chief Operating Officer for Holualoa creative and experienced Holualoa team as we collaborate for continued growth and success,” Mr “Holualoa’s commitment to successful investments and developments that enhance the communities where they are located aligns perfectly with my background ARIZONA NEWS 5:45 AM | Updated: Jan 20 BY GREG BARR/PHOENIX BUSINESS JOURNAL Holualoa Companies and LaPour Partners have closed on the land acquisition to pave the way for a new dual-branded AC Hotel by Marriott and Element by Westin at the fast-growing CityNorth development in Phoenix paid $5.94 million for the 3.58-acre plot of land on the southwest corner of Deer Valley Drive and 16th Street in north Phoenix according to Tempe-based real estate database Vizzda The project developer for CityNorth is California-based Crown Realty and Development The eight-story hotel development will feature 240 guest rooms with 5,700 square feet of flexible indoor-outdoor meeting space The AC Hotel by Marriott will offer 142 guest rooms while Element by Westin will offer an additional 98 extended stay guest rooms Groundbreaking for the hotel project is planned for summer 2025 with an estimated completion date in January 2027 This story is posted in partnership with Phoenix Business Journal. Click to read the full story. Have a story idea or tip? Pass it along to the KTAR News team here Enrolling in Hawaiʻi’s public schools is a straightforward process that involves determining school eligibility and completing an application either online or in person We are committed to providing a high-quality education for all students and we look forward to welcoming your child to our school system. Learn how to determine your school through the SchoolSite Locator App The Department provides bus service in neighborhoods around the islands to ensure broad access to educational opportunities for Hawaiʻi’s students and serves about 25,000 student riders across the state.  Students who consistently attend school are more likely to achieve academic excellence students gain access to a world of knowledge and develop the confidence to reach their full potential.  educational specialists and staff to foster equity and excellence in our public schools skilled and passionate professionals who will help bring the Department’s Strategic Plan to life stories and events from Hawai‘i public schools 1390 Miller St. Honolulu, HI 96813Main Line: 808-784-6200Email attainable housing community in the heart of Tempe.  The grand opening was last month were development leaders celebrated the 129-unit multifamily project coined which is atop a two-acre parcel at the intersection of 5th Street and Farmer Avenue Dwell Tempe will provide new housing options for residents working in downtown Tempe, Arizona State University and other locations The attainable housing units are integrated with two existing creative office buildings and open space to create a true mixed-use development The new multifamily project includes a number of enticing amenities to create a true urban retreat landscaped pedestrian areas and open outdoor space •Live/work-oriented amenity rooms for residents as well as “Zoom” rooms and private meeting rooms •A fitness center and dog-friendly features walkable access to light rail and streetcar stations The ‘high walkability’ scores in urban environments provide convenient access to employment outdoor recreation and public transportation “We are very pleased to celebrate the grand opening of this innovative new community on this outstanding site adjacent to downtown Tempe,” said Kolby Smith of Holualoa Companies “This is an ideal location for attainable urban living and we are excited to make the Dwell community a reality in Tempe We look forward to expanding the concept across the Valley to increase the availability of attainable housing on a larger scale.” Conceived to be a combination of flexible workspace and apartments for urban professionals Dwell is designed to address the increasing housing accessibility challenge in urban locations without sacrificing quality while capitalizing on the increasing availability of hybrid/remote work “In Tempe, we recognize that development, business, housing and community are all critically linked,” said Tempe Mayor Corey Woods. “The completion of Dwell will greatly help our city by bringing much-needed workforce housing into the heart of Downtown Tempe This project will allow residents to easily commute by mass transit or even walk to work and its location will encourage shopping and dining at local businesses in the area I am thrilled to see this project come to life.” Tempe is adding more than a million square feet of office and commercial space and hundreds of hotel rooms within a half mile of the site “Tempe is one of most dynamic jobs markets in the Valley and this project provides a critical new resource for housing to support its growth,” said Steve Betts managing director of development of Holualoa “As these Dwell communities expand to have a Valley wide presence they will be an important step forward in creating more housing options in the region.” As small towns go on Hawaii Island Holualoa may just corner the market on charm Located only 3 miles uphill from the better-known hubs of Kailua-Kona and Keauhou the rural community seems to drift back in time Its off-the-beaten-path ambiance is defined by tin-roof homes Here are five of our favorite reasons to head to Holualoa Coffee, Coffee, CoffeeThanks to its high altitude and fertile volcanic soil, Holualoa has proven ideal for growing Hawaii’s famous Kona coffee farm tours offer glimpses into the planting harvesting and roasting processes followed by tastes of the delectable finished product clients go on free tours of the orchard and mill and get gratis sips of bold brews charges a mere $5 per person and shares dramatic views from its upcountry location people can savor a heady variety of java in one place during November’s annual Holualoa Village Coffee & Art Stroll which is part of the Kona Coffee Cultural Festival First Friday After DarkAloha spirit steps into the spotlight at this weekend kickoff kiosks and chairs for visitors and residents who get to know each other throughout the evening First Friday presents the perfect opportunity for travelers to enjoy the best of Holualoa hand-screened T-shirts and photography with a sense of place Food vendors sate appetites with local flavors serenade the crowds and maybe even break into a hula It’s Holualoa’s unique take on an old-fashioned block party Galleries and Ukulele LessonsHolualoa’s beauty and goodwill have inspired creative spirits to call it their home base Their galleries — peacefully coexisting along Mamalahoa Highway the main road through town — display everything from whimsical crafts to fine art One of the most unique lures is Holualoa Ukulele Gallery It houses stunning examples of Hawaii’s beloved four-stringed instrument participate in a ukulele-building workshop Historic BuildingsLined up along Mamalahoa Highway 20 historic buildings stand ready with stories to tell providing a sense of context to the contemporary studios and shops that now occupy them their pasts live on courtesy of informational signs created by the local heritage preservation council Highlights include the 1906 Christian Church where services were held in multiple languages to accommodate immigrant workers and their families Also on hand are the Sasaki Store from 1919; a dentist office dating back to 1927; a 1923 laundry and pool hall; and the 1897 Holualoa School Music & Light FestivalDuring this early December holiday party Santa Claus flashes Hawaii’s friendly shaka sign while rolling down the street in a convertible then offers his knee to kids young and old Everyone cheers for the lighting of the town’s big Norfolk pine and shop owners keep their doors open well into the evening with free snacks and drinks for merrymakers Festival attendees can tour the area’s main hotel and outdoor stages feature musicians who put their inimitable spin on traditional carols The festivities wrap up with a family-oriented film in the Holualoa Theater The DetailsHolualoa Townwww.holualoahawaii.com Copyright © 2025 Northstar Travel Media, LLC. All Rights Reserved. 301 Route 17 N, Suite 1150, Rutherford, NJ 07070 USA | Telephone: (201) 902-2000 Privacy Policy | About Our Ads Repair work overnight Wednesday into Thursday will require the closure of one lane of Māmalahoa Highway in Hōlualoa Hawaiian Electric crews will be replacing a utility pole so one lane of the highway will be closed from 10 p.m Crews will also be in the area from 8:30 a.m the lane will remain open during that time Flagmen will be onsite to provide traffic control Motorists are advised to drive with caution when approaching and passing the work zone ARIZONA REAL ESTATE & HOUSING NEWS 3:30 PM | Updated: 4:56 pm A new downtown Tempe attainable housing community that caters to people who work from home is set to open this weekend BY ROXANNE DE LA ROSA PHOENIX — A new attainable housing community in downtown Tempe that caters to people who work from home will host a grand opening ceremony this weekend The 129-unit housing development called Dwell will open its doors March 15 It’s located in downtown Tempe near Fifth Street and Farmer Avenue The new community expands accessible housing options in Tempe by offering lower rent prices than other nearby surrounding housing communities Dwell was constructed to accommodate both work and living spaces for professionals who work from home Each of the units may include a separate office The real estate firm behind Dwell, Holualoa Companies “Dwell will contribute to the housing necessary to support Tempe’s growing workforce in the downtown area where rents would otherwise continue to climb out of employees’ reach,” Holualoa Companies Director of Development Steve Betts said in a press release Rents are kept lower by building housing units with commercial properties to reduce land and parking costs Dwell replaced luxurious pool amenities by building open spaces to gather Other future plans for Tempe include a million square feet of office and commercial space and the addition of hundreds of hotel rooms within a half a mile of Dwell The location for Dwell was selected because of the proximity of companies outdoor recreation and public transportation options The project is the first in a series of Dwell developments around the Valley “The completion of Dwell will greatly help our city by bringing much needed workforce housing into the heart of downtown Tempe,” Tempe Mayor Corey Woods said in the release “This project will allow residents to easily commute by mass transit or even walk to work and its location will encourage shopping and dining at local businesses in the area I am thrilled to see this project come to life.” Historic 1929 Holualoa Theatre in Kailua-Kona Hawaii island firefighters extinguished an early morning fire that gutted the historic 1929 Holualoa Theatre in Kailua-Kona The Hawaii County Fire Department sent 19 personnel with the first unit responding to 76-5925 Mamalahoa Highway at 7:55 a.m to find flames and heavy smoke visible from the structure No other occupants were on the scene upon arrival Personnel extinguished the fire at 9:40 a.m and other units assisted with salvage and overhaul Details about the cause of the fire and damage estimate were not immediately available Get the best experience and stay connected to your community with our Spectrum News app. Learn More a first grade teacher at Holualoa Elementary said she has used 60 sick days this school year as the mold growing in her classroom made her unable to work.  it can grow in your sinuses,” D’Agostino told Spectrum News Hawaii I would have a sore throat or I would lose my voice.”  She also described having symptoms of coughing she is concerned about how the mold might be affecting her students “We don't know the long-term effect on our keiki’s health,” said D’Agostino Holualoa Elementary in North Kona on Hawaii Island was founded in 1895 and about 500 students are enrolled at the school.  20 to sound the alarm about the school’s problems They called on the Hawaii Department of Education to take swift action to address the issues While many of the problems have been persistent for at least two decades D’Agostino said the DOE’s promises made over the past three years to remove carpeting have not been kept.   we've been told that our 22-year-old carpets will be torn up They're held together by duct tape or electrical tape,” said D’Agostino D’Agostino said she was told that the carpets couldn’t be removed because of asbestos.  after the HSTA’s press conference was held D’Agostino said Assistant Superintendent Randall Tanaka hired 89-day contract employees who removed the carpets in her classroom put in new flooring and covered the walls with mold-inhibiting paint in just four days The Department of Education said in an email to Spectrum News Hawaii sent on March 9 that it is taking action to remedy the problems at Holualoa Elementary by procuring dehumidifiers relocating classrooms while they are renovated enlisting exterminators and submitting work orders to the Department of Accounting and General Services for foundation concerns According to records kept by the Hawaii State Teachers Association 6 out of 38 classrooms have been partially renovated The cafeteria stage and a breezeway were also power washed and repainted.  the Assistant Superintendent for Facilities and Operations said at a “West Hawaii talk story” hosted by local lawmakers on March 8 that he is working to renovate up to 17 classrooms by the end of the summer “It's a combination of refreshing the rooms putting the dehumidifiers in and we think we've got it managed,” said Tanaka “We'll be in pretty good shape in the next school year when we open the school.” told Spectrum News Hawaii at this point it is hard to trust the DOE to follow through with renovating the classrooms and she would like to see a detailed timeline for when future renovations and repairs would be completed.  “We can't rely on their promises without seeing the action being taken We saw some activity right after the first press conference (in February)… (but) that's not necessarily complete action,” said Okita These teachers are getting sicker and the kids are still suffering the consequences.” Teachers at the HSTA’s press conference also raised concerns about extensive termite and structural damage to the foundation of the buildings Tanaka said at the “West Hawaii talk story” that he is also working on a “master plan” to rebuild the school which includes making it complaint with the Americans with Disabilities Act addressing safety issues with a road that cuts through the school easing access to the school for dropping off and picking up students and building a three-story multipurpose facility for classrooms and support facilities The next step in designing the “master plan,” according to Tanaka the Hawaii State Legislature allocated $2 million to plan for these campus improvements.  told Spectrum News Hawaii that an Environmental Assessment will also need to be completed The DOE estimates the total construction for the campus improvements will cost up to $57 million.  “Future construction funding… is still to be requested from the legislature,” said Kalani State Sen. Dru Kanuha, who represents Kona and Kaʻū, intends to include a funding request for Holualoa Elementary School in the Senate Draft of the Budget, according to an aide. He previously requested $48 million in capital improvement project funding for the school in Senate Bill 1575 Josh Green said in a statement sent to Spectrum News Hawaii that he would sign off on any funding requests for Holualoa Elementary that lawmakers send to him “Holualoa holds a special place in my heart because I used to live there and I know the area well I have been briefed on the very serious situation at the school and I’m supportive of the efforts the Department of Education is making to address the issues,” said Green I am absolutely ready and willing to approve any capital improvement fund requests that state lawmakers send to me.” Michelle Broder Van Dyke covers the Hawaiian Islands for Spectrum News Hawaii. Email her at michelle.brodervandyke@charter.com Editor's note: A quote from Courtney D’Agostino about what is holding the carpet together has been corrected.  Pictured is historic Holualoa Theatre in Kailua-Kona prior to the fire The Hawaii County Fire Department determined the cause of Sunday’s large fire at the historic Holualoa Theatre in Kailua-Kona was accidental Firefighters responded to the fire at 76-5925 Mamalahoa Highway shortly before 8 a.m crews saw the structure “fully involved in flames,” the fire department said Battalion Chief Palani Kurashige of the Fire Prevention Branch said a witness saw flames emanating from the main electrical panel on the northwest corner of the structure The fire then spread to the eaves and roof Firefighters brought the fire under control at about 9:25 a.m Damage was estimated at $594,000 to the structure and its contents The flames also spread to an area of Mi Taqueira Potosina a Mexican restaurant situated within the front section of the theatre Kurashige said the majority of the eatery is intact 1390 Miller St. Honolulu, HI 96813Main Line: 808-784-6200Email Editors' PicksEducation Holualoa Elementary School will be able to start the school year on its renovated campus Already a Honolulu Star-Advertiser subscriber? Log in now to continue reading The Department of Education says students and staff at Holualoa Elementary on Hawaii island will start the new school year with revamped classrooms and other facilities after renovation work over the summer break to address problems with mold Holualoa was founded in 1895 and is situated in a damp and humid climate zone on the west side of Hawaii island According to a Tuesday news release from the Department of Education the “renovations were designed to reduce interior environmental conditions conducive to mold growth.” Parents and members of the Hawaii State Teachers Association had been pushing the DOE to act on problems with mold Parents and teachers reported that several students and staff members had developed respiratory problems that doctors had linked to the mold A virtual news conference organized by the HSTA in February included a video of the school with images of dark mold spread across walls and ceilings rubber slippers that had apparently been gnawed by rodents and dirty classroom carpets that school employees said they feared had more mold beneath as well as asbestos floors vice president of the Hawaii State Teachers Association declared that “Holualoa is in a crisis.” “It’s been a complete transformation,” Principal Kristin Muramoto said in the DOE’s news release “We’ve seen everything from the wall colors change to new flooring for a whole new atmosphere and environment that our students and our teachers are very fortunate to come back to in this coming school year.” but the majority of the work was completed during the spring and summer breaks when rooms were not in use which the DOE said was meant to “minimize impacts on student learning.” The effort overhauled 16 classrooms with new tile flooring “We’ve repainted the classrooms with mold-inhibiting paints and removed old floor carpeting to promote better air quality,” Randall Tanaka assistant superintendent of the DOE’s Office of Facilities and Operations “Open windows and fans will help air circulation during the day and dehumidifiers will help to reduce moisture in the air overnight which will create an environment well-suited for students to learn.” 10 other office and work spaces at the school were also renovated Workers also power-washed covered walkways and the DOE installed new furniture in several classrooms at an approximate cost of $1.27 million to date The DOE says it expects renovation work to be complete before students return for the new school year in August The installation of new ceiling fans is expected to begin during the fall or winter break to further improve air circulation “Renovations are only the first step and we’re working closely with school leadership teams to encourage the use of fans air purifiers and dehumidifiers in concert to sustain the extensive classroom renovations into the future,” said Janette Snelling complex-area superintendent for the Honokaa-Kealakehe-Kohala-Konawaena Complex Area Holualoa Elementary served 455 students in the past school year in grades pre-K to 5 Walk though Historic Holualoa Village lined with Kona coffee farmers serving tastings of 100% Kona coffee Speak directly to the farmers and learn about the different processes they use to create their delicious coffee Drop in all the galleries holding open house filled with local island style art Eat delicious foods from wonderful vendors offering local creative fare Big Island Video News photo of the sign waving event courtesy event organizers Hawaiʻi - Parents and teachers say they are still waiting to hear specifics from the Hawaiʻi DOE on how and when it will address numerous health and safety issues at the school (BIVN) – Hōlualoa Elementary School staff, students, and families rallied in Kona on Thursday, after the Hawaiʻi State Teachers Association raised concerns about conditions at the school a little over a week ago In a news release detailing Thursday’s sign waving event organizers said “health and safety concerns at the school are serious and they’ve been impacting local children and teachers for years.” “We are pleased to see so many other groups like Holualoa’s Parent Teacher Organization join together in this effort,” said Hawaiʻi State Teachers Association president Osa Tui “It shows that we all want a permanent and long lasting solution to address these health and safety issues We hope the department keeps making progress to fix problems on the campus that currently make it difficult for the keiki to learn and thrive.” “Our educators are the gems of our school It’s hard to retain teachers and attract new talent when our aged facilities scare them away!” said Sarah Teehee of the Hōlualoa School PTO and a member of School Community Council ” We have asked DOE leadership and our State Sen Kirstin Kahaloa to work closely with us to resolve immediate safety issues and move the Master Plan forward from paper to construction.” This news release was shared by the event organizers: 2023 on Queen Kaahumanu Highway in Kailua-Kona to raise their concerns to the Hawaii Department of Education and the entire community about unsafe conditions on the campus and to call for immediate action and long-term solutions The concerns were revealed to the public in a recent news conference by the Hawaii State Teachers Association (HSTA) that provided visual evidence of persistent problems at the school and reported illnesses and associated absences of staff members and students This sign waving event was organized by the Holualoa School Parent Teacher Organization (PTO) which has been urging investment in Holualoa Elementary School by conducting thorough campus-wide assessment of all buildings and implementing emergency remediation and a clear commitment to long-term solutions few details have been announced by the Hawaii DOE on how it plans to deal with this crisis Despite a letter from the school principal to families on February 26 that mentioned the arrival of dehumidifiers as well as plans to renovate two classrooms no concrete plan and timeline has been provided to remediate mold infestation in virtually all classrooms or how structural concerns are going to be addressed the community’s recent efforts may be beginning to yield results a professional cleaning company was on campus and began cleaning in the cafeteria Some parents and members of the School Community Council have been on a months-long quest to gain more transparency and accountability from the DOE for these long-standing issues They want to know about immediate remediation including expediting procurement of assistance needed and how soon a thorough investigation of all campus buildings will occur so that parents can make informed choices about risks to their student(s) The SCC also has asked about funding provided by the Legislature for Holualoa School what projects the Hawaii DOE has contracted in response to the school’s long-contemplated Master Plan and what is blocking further forward progress to this planning warranted by the age of school facilities and the fact a public roadway passes thru campus Many attendees at the Thursday event expressed that the health and safety issues at Holualoa Elementary have been ongoing for years and are unacceptable infringing upon the rights of students and teachers to a safe learning environment Providing a safe school environment is a fundamental responsibility for schools under federal The Holualoa School PTO believes the sign waving event was an effective way to remind the state and wider community about that responsibility and the wider community by advocating for improved safety standards and for future investments by making certain that the school’s needs will remain a priority for the DOE and lawmakers For more information or to help support Holualoa Elementary email the Holualoa School PTO at HolualoaSchoolPTO@gmail.com Filed Under: Kailua-Kona Tagged With: , Copyright © 2025 · Dynamik-Gen on Genesis Framework · WordPress · Log in Neighbors of the historic Hōlualoa Theatre expressed shock, sorrow and disbelief on Monday, Aug. 22, a day after the iconic locale was devastated during a Sunday morning fire People shared memories they had associated with the building where mostly charred remains now laid in piles and said the loss will impact the tight-knit artistic and farming community indefinitely owner of the shop Kona Treehouse a few feet south of the theater who grew up in the area said it was difficult to describe how much the theater meant to the community the kumu of 13 years lost sentimental keepsakes in the fire and the footprint of the town feels forever changed I’m really sad,” Post said on Monday “There isn’t much up here in this town it was just one of these landmarks.” Sunday to the structure fire at 76-5925 Māmalahoa Highway Home of the 1929 Hōlualoa Theatre building the structure also housed the Hōlualoa Artist Colony and Mi Taqueria Potosina the 2,376-square-foot commercial building owned by Merner Land Co. Personnel with several units from the Hawai’i Fire Department responded to help protect surrounding buildings from fire exposure and extinguish the blaze No injuries were reported and no other structures were damaged The highway was closed for a couple of hours and the fire was put out by 9:40 a.m emailed Big Island Now on Monday afternoon that the fire was a huge loss for the family and the community “Our family is devastated by the loss of the Hōlualoa theater building,” he wrote “As long-time members of the community we appreciated its cultural value to the town and the surrounding area. Since acquiring it earlier this year we had been working diligently to improve building safety and halt further deterioration “We are thankful our recent vegetation clearing of the property allowed the HFD to quickly access the building and defend our neighbors’ structures We want to express our thanks to multiple Holualoa residents who quickly reported the fire and attempted to halt its progress with extinguishers “The building remnants are currently structurally dangerous and we ask everyone’s kokua in staying away while we clean up Investigation of the fire’s cause is ongoing with HFD staff and we have no further information to share on it.” The neighbor on the Hōlualoa Hongwanji Temple property immediately south of the theater was still in shock on Monday morning Mimi Bergstrom was also grateful to be alive as the fire very easily could have reached across the property line and ignited the gas cans Bergstrom and her boyfriend keep in their work station on that side of the house The distance between their two structures is only 12 feet “I had no idea it was going to take off that fast,” Bergstrom said If it wasn’t for my boyfriend…” Bergstrom credits her boyfriend for saving her life She said she was fighting a cold and had taken cold medicine and wasn’t alert at all when Dudoit screamed at her about the fire and that she needed to get out of the house no big deal,'” an emotional Bergstrom recounted on Monday It instantly started shooting flames out and just took off It was insane how fast it took off.” Dudoit then grabbed a garden hose to keep the flames from approaching their property and told Bergstrom to move the gas cans and move her car collapsed material crashed down where her car just moments before had been parked A few serendipitous events transpired even before that which left Bergstrom in disbelief Dubois got a very early morning call Sunday morning from a loved one that got him out of bed in the first place that the surf was good that morning and he should prepare to head out The other was the couple finally trimmed down the overgrown hedges between the two properties which could have ignited had they been around Their absence left a clear path for firefighters to run their hoses as they fought the fire from exactly that spot “It could have been so much worse,” Bergstrom said expressing her gratitude to the firefighters who responded No one was at the building during the blaze and there were no injuries reported HFD Chief Kazuo Todd said the cause of the fire appears to be electrical in nature The fire started in the electrical panel area according to witness statements and the early investigation and the building also had electrical issues in the past He added that the island recently lost the Pāhoa theater to a fire and that while the historic buildings are iconic and sentimental the fact that they are huge wooden structures with old infrastructure and termite damage makes them susceptible to fast-spreading fire damage the components of those types of buildings make them especially flammable and difficult to save “It’s really impossible to slow with that type of structure,” he said “Hula Maunalei has not only lost their home base they have lost all of their hula implements We humbly ask for donations to recoup the items which were lost in the fire and to help pay for a new place for the girls to practice their hula,” it reads One has also been set up to help the restaurant was the only recognizable piece still standing on Monday – a charred reminder of what used to be such a big piece of the town’s charming footprint “I just really hope they recreate it,” Post said large animal was first reported on Hawaii Island in mid-August The first sighting of what might be a large wildcat was in Holualoa above Kailua-Kona A man who asked to remain anonymous took photos of the massive animal local media reported another sighting was captured on surveillance video at the Manago Hotel in the town above Kealakekua Bay but again the images are hard to make out and a visitor who saw it asked to remain anonymous.  the Department of Land and Natural Resources has been investigating.  DLNR released a statement that said they have not been able to make any determinations about the ‘big cat.’ “The DLNR Division of Forestry and Wildlife (DOFAW) has looked into reports of a 'big cat,' but without clear photographs or video it's impossible to make any determinations.”  The statement said that DOFAW had left bait with cameras for three weeks in the Holualoa area but the staff only saw pigs and small cats.  but the DLNR statement said they “are unlikely due to the distances and terrain even a large animal would need to traverse.” When Spectrum News asked where the other sightings were made DLNR reiterated that they “came in from all around Hawaii Island” and declined to provide further information.  DLNR added that the Hawaii Department of Agriculture is the lead authority in this situation The Hawaii DOA said in a statement that the individual who took the blurry photos in mid-August and the visitor at the Manago Hotel have not responded to messages from inspectors.  “Agricultural inspectors from the Hawaii Department of Agriculture have relayed messages to the individual who took the photo in Holualoa in mid-August The staff at the Manago Hotel says the visitors who said they saw a large cat near the hotel have also declined to be identified or to be interviewed by agricultural inspectors No one at the hotel directly saw the animal,” the statement said the Hawaii DOA said it was unable to determine the credibility of the sightings.  The Hawaii DOA asked anyone who sees a possible illegal animal to contact the Pest Hotline at 808-643-PEST (7378).  Michelle Broder Van Dyke covers the Hawaiian Islands for Spectrum News Hawaii A Tucson-based development firm is creating what could turn into a model for housing in desirable expensive neighborhoods that average people in metro Phoenix can afford a developer with high-profile projects throughout the Valley has a new project in the Camelback corridor to to redevelop a portion of an office complex at 21st Street and Highland Avenue a parking garage and a restaurant in late 2021 for $50 million The company now plans to redevelop the northwestern of the portion of the site They submitted plans to Phoenix in late June to begin the zoning process managing director of development for Holualoa said “How can we deliver attainable workforce housing in a more expensive parking and infrastructure add to costsBetts listed land prices infrastructure costs like water and sewer lines and parking as some of the top contributors to higher pricing for construction By buying a site that already is earning money through office rents and sharing parking lots and infrastructure with the existing buildings a developer can build an apartment complex more cheaply The apartments themselves offer pared-down amenities bicycle closets and other amenities that cost less to build and less to maintain rents at the Dwell projects will start around $1,400 New developments in downtown Tempe vary greatly in price but some recently proposed luxury apartments in the area range in rent from $1,500 to $3,500 depending on unit size To make up for a lack of amenities that are commonplace in high-end apartments — like pools, movie cinemas and luxury gyms — the Dwell developments are in walkable and bike friendly areas like the Camelback corridor and the other location in downtown Tempe. “They need to be in a location where the amenities are the attractive urban environment around the Dwell project,” Betts said the office complex came with a 2-acre lake which will see enhancements for both office users and eventual residents at the apartment complex which was a golf course before the office buildings and nearby retail were built previously used the lake as water retention for the golf course  The company plans to build shade structures and add a meeting room and sitting areas to the small island in the middle of the lake but it’s really underutilized now,” he said Betts said Arizona has done a great job attracting new jobs to the region but even jobs that pay well and require skills don’t always earn enough to afford housing in the Valley’s more desirable areas Rents at Dwell are not subsidized but are generally affordable to people making between 80% and 120% of the area median income what Betts referred to as the “missing middle” of affordability Housing is generally considered affordable if a person does not spend more than one-third of their gross monthly income on it “We hope that now that we’ve proven the Dwell concept we can do a dozen of these around the Valley,” Betts said in Tempe near Fifth Street and Farmer Avenue is under construction and recently had concrete poured at the site The apartments there are expected to open in late summer of 2024 The Phoenix location is in the early stages of approvals at the city and likely will start construction midway through 2024 Reach the reporter at cvanek@arizonarepublic.com. Follow her on Twitter @CorinaVanek.  Three men and a woman were charged with an assortment of drug offenses after Vice officers served a search warrant Tuesday (March 3) in Hōlualoa. During the search at a home on the 75-5200 block of Māmalahoa Highway, officers recovered 13.7 grams of a crystalline substance, 0.3 grams of a brown tar-like substance, 1.2 grams of a dried, green leafy material, one suspected MDMA pill (commonly known as “ecstasy”), one unprescribed prescription pill, paraphernalia associated with meth use and distribution, a loaded, unregistered .22-caliber revolver and $344 in cash for forfeiture. Arrested at the scene were the resident, 63-year-old Edward Schoeppner Jr. of Hōlualoa, along with 38-year-old Jose Garcia, who has no permanent address, 40-year-old David Mahi, who has no permanent address, and 43-year-old Teri Pedro of Kailua-Kona. They were taken to the Kona police cellblock while detectives from the Area II Vice Section continued the investigation. Wednesday afternoon, Schoeppner was charged with meth trafficking, promoting a dangerous drug and possessing drug paraphernalia in connection with Tuesday’s search warrant. He was also charged with meth trafficking, promoting a dangerous drug, promoting a harmful drug and two counts of possessing drug paraphernalia for a December search warrant at the same house, during which he fled the scene. His bail was set at $96,500. Garcia was charged with meth trafficking, promoting a detrimental drug, two counts of promoting a dangerous drug, two counts of possessing drug paraphernalia and five firearms offenses. His bail was set at $193,000. Mahi was charged with two counts each of promoting a dangerous drug and possessing drug paraphernalia. His bail was set at $8,000. Pedro was charged with promoting a dangerous drug, promoting a harmful drug and possessing drug paraphernalia. Her bail was set at $5,000. They remained at the cellblock until their initial court appearance on Thursday. Tipsters who prefer to remain anonymous may call the island-wide Crime Stoppers number at 961-8300 and may be eligible for a reward of up to $1,000.00. Crime Stoppers is a volunteer program run by ordinary citizens who want to keep their community safe. Crime Stoppers does not record calls or subscribe to any Caller ID service. All Crime Stoppers information is kept confidential. The Crime Stoppers TV Program is available on-demand from Nā Leo TV. This site is only for accessing historical media releases prior to November 12 Visit our new site for up to date information Holualoa Companies has sold the recently redeveloped and repositioned 272-unit Sonoran Reserve multifamily community in Tucson on December 22 The property has a highly desirable location close to downtown and the University of Arizona and features convenient access to Interstate 10 READ ALSO: Here is the Phoenix commercial real estate outlook for 2022 a 552-bed (188 unit) student housing property in November 2018 via a lender auction Holualoa Companies renovated the entire 12-acre community and converted the property to conventional apartments at a cost of nearly $10 million  The renovation consisted of splitting 83 four-bedroom units into one- and two-bedroom units and renovating and upgrading the resort-style pool the property was rebranded as Sonoran Reserve The sale continues a trend of high-profile transactions that Holualoa Companies has executed in recent months despite the economic conditions created by the pandemic Holualoa Companies sold the highly successful Herbert Residential and the adjacent Armory Park Villas in Tucson in a $20.4 million transaction “We are pleased to complete the sale of Sonoran Reserve and realize a strong return on investment,” said Lani Baker Chief Financial Officer of Holualoa Companies “This transaction shows the continued strength of Tucson’s multifamily market represented Holualoa Companies in the transaction Copyright © 2025 AZ Big Media  |  All Rights Reserved  |  Site by Blufish A relative newcomer in the venerable art town of Holualoa on the slopes of Hualalai behind Kailua-Kona Field cottage a block south of the town’s main Mamalahoa Highway because the gallery has occupied its space—the tiny renovated 1920s-era Kona Bottling Works—for nearly two years (the adjacent Holualoa Gallery has occupied its space for more than two decades) I visited during a recent First Friday event musicians play from shops’ front stoops and locals enjoy wine under twinkling lights The gallery was packed: A family sat on the Adirondack chairs lining the cottage lanai beneath the iwa (Hawaiian frigate bird) logo waiting their turn to peruse the offerings The artist’s clean-lined pop art prints reminiscent of ’50s and ’60s-era Hawaii line the high walls of the bright cottage Like other similar artists whose modern art renderings of Hawaii have broad appeal (Heather Brown comes to mind) for short) Field’s designs also come screened on hats decorative surfboards and more—indeed these items make up the bulk of the gallery There’s just something about clean-lined designs—iwa flying over bright green seas hula dancers on beaches at sunset—that makes you want to wear them Whether it’s tropical foliage or a rendering of Duke Kahanamoku “he starts with sketches,” says wife Terry “Then uses a computer to make the lines cleaner.” The use of color is dreamy but accurate: swaths of pastel—baby blue skies melon skies—mingle with bold oranges and greens Scattered throughout the store are remnants from a collaboration with the surf apparel giant Roxy/Quiksilver—distinctive M lau hala hats and women’s bathing suits the 2-year relationship was cut short says Terry; Quiksilver filed bankruptcy in 2015 and the M If the evening’s crowds were any indication the change was unnoticed by the artists’ loyal local following The gallery also sells practical items—reef safe sunscreen and SPY brand polarized sunglasses—perhaps because Mike Fields has spent a life on and in the water This perspective is also evident in his designs many of which feature watermen or views of the ocean from on the ocean (instead of from the shore) not dissimilar to the electric displays happening beyond the gallery walls during the First Friday event jar me back from my old Hawaii daydream and I move to the side to let others enjoy the space Holualoa First Friday events happen the first Friday of each month and run from 5:30 til 8:30 with food trucks 76-5936 Mamalahoa Hwy., Holualoa • (808)315-8114 • 10 a.m. til 5 p.m. Tues. through Sat. (closed Sun. and Mon.) • mfield.com AC Hotel by Marriott North Phoenix at Norterra and Element by Westin North Phoenix at Norterra expected to break ground in May 2024 and open late 2025 North Texas developer Jackson-Shaw and Tucson-based Holualoa Companies announce the development of dual-branded AC Hotel by Marriott North Phoenix at Norterra and Element by Westin North Phoenix at Norterra The two hotels connected under one roof are located close to the Shops at Norterra at 25100 North 22nd Lane near the northeast corner of West Happy Valley Road and Norterra Parkway The property is expected to break ground in May 2024 and open in late 2025 the four-story development will feature a total of 274 high-quality guest rooms At the AC Hotel by Marriott North Phoenix at Norterra 179 guest rooms feature the brand's clean and simple design aesthetic that marry sophisticated European style with a distinct modern feel The Element by Westin North Phoenix at Norterra includes 95 rooms offering the essentials of balanced travel for the longer-stay guest without compromising comfort and design The development will feature 8,000 square feet of flexible meeting space a state-of-the-art fitness center and a resort-style courtyard with a saline pool The 160,133-square-foot building is on three acres It is expected to provide 60 full-time and 20 part-time jobs The hotel is being developed in partnership with Jackson-Shaw and Holualoa Companies Simmons Bank is providing construction financing Layton Construction is the general contractor Cooper Carry is the architect and DiLeonardo is the interior designer Hotel website HAWAII COUNTY POLICE DEPARTMENT KONA CRIMINAL INVESTIGATION SECTION DETECTIVE JUERGEN L. CANDA PHONE: 326-3080 JUNE 26, 2003 GUY THOMAS RIVERA …sought in shooting incident Big Island police have requested the public’s help in finding a 40-year-old Kona man wanted for allegedly firing a rifle at a vehicle in Holualoa, North Kona. The suspect was identified as Guy Thomas Rivera, of a Holualoa address. Rivera allegedly fired two rifle shots at a vehicle on Thursday, June 19, 2003. He is also wanted on an outstanding warrant for contempt. The suspect, also known as “Pake,” is described as being a local male, being 5-foot-6 in height, weighing about 200 pounds and having brown eyes, black hair and a black moustache. Police said the suspect should be considered armed and dangerous. Anyone with information about his whereabouts is asked to call Detective Juergen L. Canda of the Kona Criminal Investigation Section at 326-4230 or the police non-emergency number at 935-3311. Those who wish to remain anonymous may call Crime Stoppers at 961-8300 in Hilo or 329-8181 in Kona. All Crime Stoppers information is kept strictly confidential. he was a high school teacher and football coach at Honokaa and Konawaena high schools and in California Jamie (Candice Chow) Barry of Holualoa; a granddaughter he was a retired construction laborer; member of Laborers International Union Local 368 and lector minister at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Hawi Rose Colon of Honolulu and Dinah del Rosario of Lanai City; seven grandchildren and five great-grandchildren Doi and Sons and the Doi Store in Kawaihae and was a member of Kamuela Hongwanji Ethel Minayoshi of Honolulu and Karen (Reed Flickinger) Doi of Captain Cook; daughter-in-law Joyce Doi of Honolulu; four grandchildren and five great grandchildren; nieces and nephews 10 at Kaiser Permanente Moanalua Medical Center in Honolulu maintenance man for Walmart and pastor at Aloha International Dream Center Brian (Naville Rubio) Ng of Waikoloa and Cameron (Carli Yamamoto) Ng of Captain Cook; father Wilson Gomes of Hilo and Fred (Jade) Ng of Kalaoa Jamie (Max) Monroe of Kealakekua; two grandchildren; nieces She was a retired bus driver for Laupahoehoe Transportation and worked for Autoshine of Hawaii Online condolences: ballardfamilymortuaries.com Vanessa Spalding and Claudia (Donald) Skinner; sister-in-law Former interim HTA president and CEO Daniel Naho’opi’i sent a resignation letter on Ma.. Police have identified a pedestrian who died following a Hilo traffic collision on.. after taking a leisurely mid-morning drive about 15 minutes up the mountain from Keauhou Bay This was the first time I’d been to this stretch of Mamalahoa Highway and was marveling at the views of the ocean peeking through the trees down below when my friend and I arrived to the little town of Holualoa I’d seen photos of Holuakoa Gardens and Café at night with its white string of lights dotting the trees and ceilings of its outdoor patios looking as if the numerous diners were at a garden party I wish I had been invited to and feels like you’re visiting a friend’s house with the café and its big cursive sign visible on the left of the restaurant’s pretty and green outdoor grounds on the right We were seated in the middle of the garden The menu is decently sized and includes the usual offerings you’d expect but it’s clear while reading the list of menu items that there was a lot of thought put into each dish by the sheer number of details mentioned and local touches added Among these are the Holuakoa Barbecue Pork Sandwich with Kona coffee barbecue sauce and apple slaw on toasted cornbread and the Fresh Catch Salad with Big Island fish topped with lilikoi (passion fruit) vinaigrette we ended up ordering three dishes to share: the Holuakoa Eggs Benedict and the Toasted Coconut and Macnut Bread-Pudding French Toast because who can resist a French toast with a name like that led by Barbara Gerrits and her husband-chef Wilson Read who was trained at the French Culinary Institute in New York They had taken over the café in 2001 living in a “tiny little shack in the back” when the property owner handed them an opportunity on a plate “The landlady knew that my husband is a chef so she built the full-service restaurant around it for him,” says Gerrits it has been the mission of Holuakoa to source as many ingredients as possible locally it is something they’ve stayed true to “Almost all of our protein is locally sourced and probably 90 percent of our produce is all locally sourced here on the Big Island,” Gerrits says The eggs Benedict is sent to our table first The English muffin is topped with thickly sliced pieces of ham and a poached egg with fried potatoes and asparagus on the side Each and every part of this dish tastes fresh and delicious but it’s the buttery and creamy hollandaise sauce that really makes it special I’m told chef Wilson and his line of cooks make it from scratch every morning it’s offered on the menu but there must also be something to their technique or recipe that’s different because it’s the best eggs Benedict I’ve had it looks much like you’d expect it to look: cuts of meat with potatoes and two eggs on the side It’s the tender pieces of meat and its wonderful flavors filling your mouth with each bite that take your senses to another world and back until I was challenged to by the French toast set down in front of me I would consider myself a connoisseur of French toast because I’m that person who orders it if I see it on any menu I couldn’t pass up trying the one I’ve never seen or heard of before While the eggs Benedict and brisket are chef Wilson originals the Toasted Coconut and Macnut Bread-Pudding French Toast is just a few months old and was created by daytime chef “We can’t take it off the menu,” says Gerrits “Everyone has to have it now.” I pour the housemade coconut-lilikoi syrup over a slice bury my fork into it and soon understand why I taste the bread pudding right away and its thick The toasted coconut flavors are also strong and feel as if it’s competing with everything else The coconut-lilikoi syrup also offers a necessary drop of sweetness If I didn’t just help myself to the brisket beforehand I could have been able to eat more than the two half-slices I ended up consuming I keep going back again and again to the brisket not wanting to waste one tender morsel tantalizing me from its plate An important thing to know about Holuakoa Gardens and Café is that the menu changes often so you’ll want to call ahead if you’re hoping to try a certain dish and only that dish The reason for this is the chefs will use every part of an animal “That’s what drives our menu,” says Gerrits “We’ll have pork chops on the menu for a couple weeks then ham … every part of the pig is used.” This is not only a way for the chefs to change things up and be creative in the kitchen but it’s also a welcome surprise for diners who happen upon some of the best dishes they’ve had It’s also a testament to the talented line of people working in its humble kitchen.  Holuakoa Gardens and Café • Open for brunch Mon. through Fri. 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., Sat. and Sun. 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.; dinner Mon. through Sat., 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. • Reservations strongly recommended. • 76-5900 Old Government Rd., Hōlualoa, Hawai‘i Island, (808) 322-5072, holuakoacafe.com This article was originally published in the March/April 2016 issue of HAWAIʻI Magazine has been sold to a group of investors who plan to give it a long-overdue makeover are buying the once-iconic shopping center built in 1957 The deal is expected to close later this month Most of the former mall on Central Avenue and Earll Drive was transformed into office buildings and data centers in the late 1990s The center has a few popular restaurants as well.  Plaza and Holualoa are buying 337,000 square feet of the former shopping center and plan to "reinvent" the space for a mixed-use hub that will attract more restaurants and employers The Dignity Health building at the southwest corner of the former mall and the former JC Penny building at the northwest section aren't included in the sale “We believe that Park Central lends itself to a remarkable opportunity for new economy workforce and businesses,” said Sharon Harper She said plans call for creative workspaces and offices, meeting spaces gathering places and an indoor and outdoor environment "unlike any office campus in the area.” Holualoa and Plaza have teamed up on other prominent redevelopment projects in the Valley, including ASU's Innovation Center Skysong in Scottsdale Park Central, built on a 46-acre former dairy site by brothers Ralph and A.J. Burgbacher, was Arizona's first mall. The shopping center was later surrounded by high-rises that stretched Phoenix's downtown north.  During the exodus to Valley suburbs with new subdivisions and malls during the 1980s Most of its big department stores had closed by 1992.  Midtown's comeback during the past few years as a housing restaurant and employment hub makes Park Central a prime spot for redevelopment.   but the Plaza and Holualoa team understand how to create the kind of vibrancy and sense of place and connectivity so important in today’s environment,” said Stan Shafer but the buyers have hired architect richärd+bauer and DPR Construction to begin site plans.  Has online shopping killed Arizona's malls? Not even close, experts say  Resident asks: Why are Phoenix malls decaying? Crime in Hawaii Two escapees from the Hawaii Community Correctional Center were caught and arrested early this morning at a bus terminal in Hilo Hawaii County police said 23-year-old Jaymeson Kaimana Makio of Honokaa and 21-year-old Camilo Darien Moreno of Holualoa were reported missing shortly before 3:30 a.m South Hilo Patrol officers quickly started canvassing the area around the jail and the downtown Hilo area Officers found the two men shortly after 3:30 a.m Police learned Makio had just boarded a Hele-On bus and Moreno was in the process of getting on the bus Makio was incarcerated for probation violation offenses Detectives continue to investigate how the inmates were able to escape and will try to account for their whereabouts while they were missing Anyone with information on this incident or who saw the escapees are asked to call Detective Scotty Aloy at (808) 961-2375 or email him at scotty.aloy@hawaiicounty.gov Arizona State University researchers and librarians are working to preserve and protect artifacts unearthed where Park Central Mall in midtown Phoenix once stood.  Last year, two real estate companies, Peoria -based Plaza Companies and Tucson-based Holualoa Companies, announced plans to reinvent the aging shopping mall near Central Avenue and Osborn Road "It's really part of our whole idea that we want to make this not just an office project where off his tenants come and then leave, we want to make this a big part of the community again," said Stan Schafer construction workers found microfilm reels antique signage and old photos from the 1950s buried underneath the first mall in Phoenix says he was very excited about this discovery "I was really excited because this is the time period of history I work on the 50s and 60s in America," said Delmont. "To be able to find a time capsule like this with all this material from Park Central mall going back to several decades, and it just happens to be in such good condition, that's what so remarkable about it." A group of researchers and librarians have launched the “Park Central Mall Collection,” which will give the public a glimpse into what was found as well as providing a background about the artifacts.  These are things that mattered to people on a day to day basis.  What they're going to wear where they are going to connect with their friends. That is what is so important about all of this stuff," said Delmont The redeveloped mall will undergo a transformation into a “community hub.” The masterminds behind the project hope it will serve as a hot spot for community gatherings and activities while maintaining the historical memory of the property.  Construction for the venue is slated to be done later this year.  Report a typo Dolores Borja Valle found was found dead on Aug The Hawai‘i Police Department has arrested four individuals for the murder of a 71-year-old Hōlualoa man from August 2015 An autopsy determined that Dolores Borja Valle died from sharp and blunt force trauma to the head Stemming from an ongoing investigation that began with finding Valle in a coffee field in the Captain Cook area of Kona Area II Criminal Investigation Section detectives arrested on June 26 The arrests were a result of an extensive investigation which included the recent receiving of DNA results The three male parties arrested are brothers A Kona woman was granted supervised release after reportedly breaking into a Hōlualoa home and taking electronics and medical marijuana. Her suspected accomplice in the break-in is at large appeared before 3rd District Court Judge Kimberly Tsuchiya on Tuesday for the following offenses: Charges stem from an incident that occurred on Sunday a 56-year-old woman reported a break-in at her home on the 78-6600 block of Māmalahoa Highway after returning from a walk The woman told police she found suspect(s) had entered through the back door of her residence and several items were missing A 24-year-old Kona woman was arrested and charged with burglary and drug offenses after police located her in the general area of a reported burglary in possession of items that appeared to belong to the victim Officers responding to the scene saw a man later identified as 29-year-old Adam Krilla who then ran on foot into the bushes near the 78-7000 block of Walua Road in Kailua-Kona Police also recognized a woman seen running behind Krilla Officers searched the area where the 24-year-old was found near some Milwaukee power tools “She was observed holding a large canvas bag that appeared to have an Apple iPad and several glass jars of marijuana [145 grams] in it matching the description of the victim’s stolen items,” police stated in a press release Wednesday The large canvas bag and an additional bag in her possession were seized as evidence for search warrant purposes as the investigation was continued by Hawai‘i Police Department’s Area II Criminal Investigation Section Additional items belonging to the victim were found Cagampang was booked into jail on $16,100 bail A preliminary hearing is scheduled for Feb An all-points bulletin was generated for Krilla and the department issued a media release asking the public’s assistance in locating him Anyone with information about this investigation and/or Krilla’s whereabouts is encouraged to call the police department’s non-emergency number at 808-935-3311. They may also contact Acting Detective Joel Furuto at 808-326-4646, ext. 262; or at Joel.furuto@hawaiicounty.gov Citizens who wish to remain anonymous can make an anonymous tip through Crime Stoppers at 808-961-8300 and be eligible for a reward of up to $1,000 Crime Stoppers does not record any calls or subscribe to caller ID Big Island Now reporter Tom Hasslinger is following up on the structure fire that destroyed the Hōlualoa Theater building on Sunday morning courtesy of Mandi Post with Kona Treehouse shows Hawai‘i Fire Department battling the blaze Mimi Bergstrom also captured footage of the flames consuming the historic structure This story will be updated as more information becomes available Holualoa has a very high level of seismic activity Based on data from the past 25 years and our earthquake archive back to 1900 there are about 13,000 quakes on average per year in or near Holualoa Holualoa has had at least 17 quakes above magnitude 6 since 1900 which suggests that larger earthquakes of this size occur infrequently probably on average approximately every 5 to 10 years The quake had a very shallow depth of 31 km (20 mi) and was not felt (or at least not reported so) Holualoa has had 1 quake of magnitude 3.5 and 8 quakes between 2.0 and 3.0 There were also 11 quakes below magnitude 2.0 which people don't normally feel The quake had a very shallow depth of 31 km (19 mi) and was reported felt by some people near the epicenter.