The Importance of Communication — and Teamwork
“In these trying economic times,” says Randy Finlay, president of Unlimited Construction Services Inc., “funding is becoming a primary issue in completion of a project. In the Ko Olina Center and Ko Olina Station projects, our primary goal was to keep the owner and lender up to date on all cost impacts and to continually seek cost reduction ideas in order to bring the projects in under budget and allow them to complete the funding.”
As to the unique teamwork on the projects, Finlay explains, “When we started on the projects, it was the peak of the construction boom and construction resources were scarce. So we teamed up with Honolulu Builders to be sure that adequate resources would be available. Relationships are key in Hawaii. We had a good relationship with Honolulu Builders. And it has worked out great.”
Dan Jordan, principal, Honolulu Builders, says, “Honolulu Builders was invited by Unlimited Construction Services to help on Ko Olina Center and Ko Olina Station when Unlimited’s work was maximizing in 2006. We assisted in the estimating and contract phase and performed as prime subcontractor through completion. The relationship between the principals of Unlimited and Honolulu Builders dates back to the mid-’80s and includes joint venture relationships on past projects.”
Bringing the Vision to Reality
“The Ko Olina Center and Station projects represent the collaborative efforts of Honu Group Inc. (developer) and The Resort Group (Ko Olina) to bring a lifestyle center to the residents and guests of the Ko Olina Resort,” says Jordan. “Iterations of the design once included a gas station and underground parking. The high water table at the project site led to the current design with its four buildings (Elua, Ekahi, Eha and Ekolu) and surface parking. The total project, which was 15 months in duration, includes 66,672 square feet under roof on 3.31 acres.
“Tenants are a mix of restaurant, retail and office,” says Jordan. Honu Group Inc. explains, “Ko Olina Center and Ko Olina Station, two developments by Honu Group Inc. at Ko Olina Resort & Marina, encompass a number of specialty restaurants, retailers and services for both residents and visitors.”
The list includes, for example, Wyland Grille; Just Tacos Mexican Grill & Cantina; County Market (by ABC Stores); Two Scoops (ice cream parlor); Kimo Bean Coffee Co.; Ko Olina Hawaiian Barbecue; The Shipping Shack; Sandal Tree (shoes and accessories) and Ko Olina Realty.
“The tenant leasing effort was particularly challenging,” says Jordan, “as the economy self-destructed shortly after groundbreaking ceremonies in April 2008. Honu Group and The Beall Group, the leasing agent, reacted to the changing economy and the property is 70 percent leased to date with increased interest every day thanks to the added pull of the Disney Resort across the street.”
Jordan also points out that permitting was a challenge with the building permit finally approved late last year. “Fortunately, the staffs of various branches of the Department of Permitting and Planning (DPP) were very accommodating and performed inspections throughout the project as the permits wound their way through the system.”
Rave Reviews
“The project was successful on many fronts,” says Jordan. “The construction, led by Honolulu Builders, included a select group of A-list subcontractors. Construction management was headed up by Tim McMonigle from Griffith Construction Consultants and through weekly OAC (owner, architect, contractor) meetings with Honu Group; the architect, Eight Inc.; Unlimited and Honolulu Builders, we managed to complete the project under budget.” Other key team members include Martin & Chock, Inc., structural engineer; WSP Lincolne Scott, mechanical and electrical engineer; Lyon Associates, civil engineer and Umemoto Cassandro Design Group, landscape architect.
Unlimited’s Finlay sums up, “It’s a good project with a great location.”
Hemant Makhijani, project manager for Honolulu Builders, adds, “It was a good team. They performed well and delivered a high quality project that everyone is raving about. Both Ko Olina Resort and Honu Group are very happy with the finished product.”
