HONOLULU (KHON2) -- The State and City of Honolulu both have separate plans to bring legal racing back to West Oahu.
KHON2 reported in March about the City project and request for proposals just went out for a first-class motor sportsway and mixed-use project on State land, but drivers should not start their engines yet.
Punish 'Um Motor Sports president Tracy Arakaki's engines have been silent since the closure of the Hawaii Raceway Park in 2006.
"It would be nice if we can get something done for Oahu because like myself and a lot of our racers, we got our race vehicle sitting in a garage, hoping and praying that one day our facility is going to open up so we can actually do our craft," Arakaki said.
The parcel up for bid is about 139 acres and sits on Hawaiian Home Lands Department lands, councilmember Esther Kiaaina said it is too close to the Kalaeloa Airport to build homes and Andria Tupola said her district is long overdue for a track.
"I think whatever happens with this parcel, they're going to have to be clear on what type of racing it's being done. Is it dirt bikes? Is it cars? And then, of course, what the stretch is and how it's going to impact the surrounding areas," Tupola said.
The City and County is still moving forward with plans for a public racetrack in Kapolei, but Tupola said administrations since the 1980's have not signed a deed that would turn over 93 acres of National Parks land to the City.
"But without that getting signed and the land actually coming over, there is not going to be a racetrack on that land. So I think with that being held up and possibly the DHHL one moving forward, perhaps this is what we need," Tupola said.
"Whichever one gets completed first," Arakaki said, "I'll be there on day one!"
A Department of Hawaiian Home Lands spokesperson said the following in a statement:
"DHHL is offering to lease the property long-term to a developer who will, pursuant to a Project Developer Agreement to be negotiated, design, build, finance, operate and maintain a motorsport complex and raceway, as well as a complementary mixed-use (commercial and industrial) project.
The department invites interested parties to share their qualifications and experience in this type of development and to share their project concept – “what would you build and operate on this property”.No State, or county, funds are to be used in the development of this project.
A “community benefits package” for beneficiaries of the Hawaiian Homes Commission Act, 1920, as amended, on the Island of Oʻahu is required.
The project is subject to beneficiary consultation that will take place over the ensuing months."
Hawaiian Home Lands Department
Sources close to the Kapolei City deal said an announcement on the deed is expected in the coming weeks. The Kalaeloa request for proposal is open to developers to apply by September.