Chinese Cultural Plaze to be redeveloped

The Taiwan government, owner of Honolulu’s long-troubled Chinatown Cultural Plaza, plans to demolish and redevelop the aging 4-acre complex after years of pressure from Mayor Rick Blangiardi, who has repeatedly urged Taiwanese officials to address what he described as a deteriorating, crime-plagued property in the heart of Chinatown.

“This has been five years of persistence, difficult conversations and a very clear message from our administration that Chinatown Cultural Plaza needed meaningful change,” Blangiardi said in a statement. “We believed from the beginning that you cannot fully revitalize Chinatown without addressing one of its largest and most important properties.”

The announcement marks a major turning point for one of Chinatown’s most prominent properties and a centerpiece of the city’s broader revitalization efforts. Long criticized for crime, vacancies, deteriorating conditions and deferred maintenance, the plaza is viewed by city leaders as key to unlocking new investment, housing and economic activity in the urban core.

Longevity International Enterprises Corp., which manages the property on behalf of Taiwan interests, said Tuesday in a statement that it is proceeding with redevelopment “to cooperate with the City and County of Honolulu’s initiatives to promote the development of Chinatown under its broader urban planning.”

The company said it intends to create “a modern, safe, and vibrant new landmark with stronger Taiwanese characteristics” while continuing to serve as a cultural bridge between Taiwan and Hawaii.

According to a Sept. 18 certified letter from Longevity, all tenants received at least six months’ notice that their leases will be terminated. Leases will end by March 31. Tenants who vacate by Dec. 31 may terminate early without owing rent or other charges for the remainder of their lease terms.