The memory of a proposed mall for the North Shore apparently has legs. On a recent visit to the area, residents mentioned the impending mall development, but something completely different is in the works at Shark’s Cove.
City officials say a deal is now close that would put the 2.71-acre parcel across from Kapoʻo entirely in public hands for a North Shore first responder hub. The property sits mauka of the popular snorkeling and diving area, next to food trucks and a Foodland Super Market, and directly across from the Sunset Beach fire station.
The City and County of Honolulu is negotiating with Hanapohaku LLC. What people are remembering is a past plan by Hanapohaku, led by Andrew Yani and Cully Judd, for a commercial center for the site. The company has said in the past that it has completed an Environmental Impact Statement and Special Management Area Use Permit process and had worked with the community to develop a design for a retail and restaurants center called McCully's Corner that would match the scale and character of the North Shore.
However, if the purchase goes through, city officials say the land would be used solely for a first responder facility. Negotiations, ongoing for about a year, are now focused on final pricing and conditions after appraisals and site inspections.
“The City is looking to acquire the property for a first responder hub,” Scott Humber, communications director for Honolulu Mayor Rick Blangiardi told ASD. “As for the timeline, closing is expected in late 2026. If the City purchases the land, it will only be for a first responder facility. There are no plans for a mall at this location.”
Councilmember Matt Weyer, who represents the North Shore, said the community has been closely watching negotiations and is encouraged by progress.
“The community looks forward to the acquisition of the land across from Kapoʻo for the future first responder hub,” Weyer told ASD. “Sale discussions are nearing completion, and the purchase and sale agreement is expected soon.”
“This marks a key step toward improving emergency and ocean safety resources for both kamaʻāina and visitors,” he said. “The vision is a modern, centralized facility that supports our first responders, including Honolulu Ocean Safety Department and the Honolulu Emergency Services Department, so they have the tools and resources needed to keep everyone safe.”
Honolulu Emergency Services Department Director Jim Ireland said the facility would expand EMS coverage on the North Shore, currently served by units in Kahuku and Waialua.
“I can say we are excited about a future station there,” Ireland told ASD. “EMS plans to place a paramedic ambulance unit, ‘Pūpūkea,’ at that location. Right now, the North Shore is covered by our units at Kahuku and Waialua, so adding a third ambulance in the area will increase coverage and reduce response times.”
Ireland said the additional unit would also improve response during large-scale incidents.
“Furthermore, when an emergency happens with multiple patients, such as a traffic collision or ocean emergency, we will have the third ambulance in the region to help,” he said. “Lastly, I personally have really enjoyed working with the North Shore community to make this a reality. They have been helpful in so many ways, including information, guidance and advocacy.”
Funding for the acquisition has already been identified. Denise Antolini, a retired law professor and President of the Save Sharks Cove Alliance, told ASD Blangiardi redirected $26.1 million originally set aside for a different property.
“The mayor and his team reprogrammed that entire amount for this acquisition,” Antolini said.
ASD reached out to Hanapohaku LLC for comment but did not receive a response by publication time.
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