Blangiardi meets Taiwan delegation over Chinatown Cultural Plaza redevelopment

HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) – Honolulu Mayor Rick Blangiardi met Wednesday with a delegation from Taiwan for two days of talks on plans to redevelop the Chinatown Cultural Plaza on Beretania Street.

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The $52 million, 4-acre property owned by the Taiwanese government has fallen into disrepair and become a draw for crime.

The mayor is seeking to finalize an agreement with Taiwan officials. Tenants and business owners say they have been dealing with deteriorating conditions and uncertainty over the plaza’s future.

Restaurant owner says business is suffering

Legend Seafood Restaurant has operated at the Chinatown Cultural Plaza for 43 years serving delicious dim sum. Owner John Ho said the the plaza’s unclear future has cost him customers.

“We need help. We are losing a lot of reservation, a lot of wedding party,” Ho said.

Ho is looking for a new location while continuing to serve customers at his current space.

Mayor previously announced demolition agreement

After months without a response from Taiwanese officials, the issue got Hawaii and international media attention.

In May, Blangiardi announced at a conference that Taiwan had agreed to demolish the Chinatown Cultural Plaza with a target date of early January 2027.

“They’ve agreed to tear it down,” Blangiardi said at the time. “I told them they had to. I was going to use eminent domain, but they did.”

In a June 1 interview with Hawaii News Now, Blangiardi softened his public remarks.

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“I’m confident about what we’re going to do, but I want to give the courtesy to Taiwanese government, who’s now come forward and work in collaboration with us,” Blangiardi said.

Taiwan issues statement ahead of talks

Before this week’s meetings, Taiwan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a statement saying in part that Songhe Company, which has operated the Chinatown Cultural Plaza, “recognizes the need for a comprehensive redevelopment plan.”

The statement said Songhe Company agrees “to consult with the City and County of Honolulu regarding the applicable laws, regulations, and its vision for redeveloping the current site of the Chinatown Cultural Plaza.”

The ministry also said Songhe Company “will terminate the relevant leases in accordance with the terms of the lease agreements to ensure that the rights and interests of existing tenants are fully protected.”

Community leader expresses skepticism

Chu Lan Shubert-Kwock, president of the Chinatown Business & Community Association, said she doubts the Taiwanese government will follow through.

“Honestly, no. My deepest gut feeling is that they playing us,” Shubert-Kwock said.

Ho said customers call the restaurant asking whether it is still open.

“I feel very sad and a lot of customers they call us almost every day. They say are you guys still open?” Ho said.

The mayor’s spokesman said the outcome of the talks would be released following the meetings.

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