Kamehameha Schools Begins Renovations at Windward Mall

August 23, 2006

Contributed by Shawn Nakamoto

Windward Mall is located in the historic He'eia area on the Windward side of O'ahu. He'eia used to be a Hawaiian working community that sustained its people through the fishponds in Kaneohe Bay and the taro grown in lo'i (irrigated terraces) along He'eia stream. As time passed, the He'eia area was used for sugar, rice and pineapple cultivation, eventually making way for the homes and businesses in what is now known as Kaneohe.

According to Susan Todani, director of development and planning for Kamehameha Schools, "This is the first major renovation for the mall since it was completed in 1982. Our goal is to create a more inviting and intimate 'home away from home' for the Windward community by updating the mall's interior design with new lighting, furnishings, flooring and landscaping. We are confident that the new mix of tenants, including new restaurants such as Ruby Tuesday and Farrell's, will make Windward Mall a place for the entire family."

The construction is expected to begin in September with Kamehameha Schools investing more than $23 million dollars in this project. "Windward Mall is one of our top ten assets in our Hawai'i Core Real Estate portfolio and this renovation will increase our return on investment," said Kirk Belsby, vice president of Endowment for Kamehameha Schools. "We are committed to investing in our commercial properties such as Windward Mall and the Royal Hawaiian Shopping Center as these properties generate revenue which supports our campuses and community outreach programs."

Constructed in 1980, Windward Mall is a 530,000 square foot enclosed regional mall located on a 31.7 acre site at the corner of Ha'iku Road and Kamehameha Highway. The mall is anchored by Macy's, Sears and Regal Cinemas and is managed by General Growth Management. It is the third largest shopping center in the state and the only regional shopping center serving Windward O'ahu.

Kamehameha Schools is a private charitable trust founded and endowed by the legacy of Princess Bernice Pauahi Bishop and is the sole beneficiary of the Bernice Pauahi Bishop Estate. Kamehameha Schools operates a statewide educational system and currently more than 6,500 students of Hawaiian ancestry are enrolled in K-12 campuses on three islands and at 29 preschool sites statewide. More than 57,000 additional Hawaiian learners are also being served through a range of other Kamehameha Schools outreach programs, distance learning programming, community collaborations and financial aid opportunities in Hawaii and across the continental United States.