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Massive 1,000-unit mixed-use project could be coming to Honolulu's Ala Moana area

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A massive, new mixed-use development near Honolulu’s Ala Moana Center that could include more than 1,000 residential units, a supermarket, restaurant, office and retail spaces may be in the works, Shimogawa Scoops has learned. Dubbed the “Keeaumoku Development,” the project would be built on about 3.5 acres of land that is currently occupied by a mix of restaurants and retail shops along Keeaumoku Street, according to public documents filed Monday. The project could include a total of 1,098 units including 460 one-bedroom units, 428 two-bedroom units, 150 studios and 60 three-bedroom units. Major restaurant space totaling 1,200 seats and 22,500 square feet of retail space could also be part of the project. The land for the possible project is owned by Cuzco Development USA LLC, which is headed by Korean investors. The “Keeaumoku Development” would join other mixed-use projects in the area including those by Salem Partners, Samkoo, Hawaii developer Christine Camp’s Avalon

Scoop: Popular Chinatown restaurant Kan Zaman closes

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Kan Zaman, a hugely popular Moroccan-Lebanese restaurant that has been open in Honolulu’s Chinatown for five years, has suddenly closed, an owner confirmed to Shimogawa Scoops. Owners Kamal Jemmari and Youssef Dakroub are also closing their Kaimuki restaurant in East Oahu, which is on the market for sale. This leaves the popular restaurant without any presence on Oahu anymore. The owners site rising business costs associated with running their operation, including high labor costs and taxes. Kan Zaman is known for being one of only a few Middle Eastern restaurants in Honolulu, and for several of its popular dishes including its Hummus with Shawarma, Mezza Sampler and Mediterranean Mussel Stew.

Popular New York candy store, beloved by Oprah, Madonna, expanding to Hawaii

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Dylan’s Candy Bar, one of the most well-known candy companies in the world, which includes such celebrity and influential fans as Oprah Winfrey, Madonna, Janet Jackson, Tom Cruise and Michelle Obama, is expanding to Hawaii with its first location at the Hyatt Regency Waikiki Beach Resort, Shimogawa Scoops has learned. Honolulu-based Ayer Architects is listed as the architect that’s working on the candy store project. Dylan’s Candy Bar, which has two locations in New York, as well as in Miami, Chicago and Los Angeles, is known for its wide variety of candies, with more than 7,000 confections, tallying one of the largest selection of candies and candy-related gifts from around the world. Founded in New York City in 2001, Dylan’s Candy Bar’s flagship store in that city, has become one of the most-visited tourist attractions in New York City, welcoming some 2 million visitors annually. Dylan’s Candy Bar would fit perfectly in Hawaii’s tourism mecca, which hosts the bulk of

'Indoor Paradise For Kids' opening at Ala Moana Center

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Ala Moana Center is adding an “indoor paradise for kids” this fall that will include a playground, toddler play area, arcade, rock climbing wall and virtual reality surf room, among other activities, Shimogawa Scoops has learned. Dubbed “MyGoKids,” the more than 3,000-square-foot center will be located at Ala Moana Center’s street level near The Vitamin Shoppe in the Honolulu’s new Ewa Wing. It also will include a homework/tutor room, imagination station, gym/basketball court and a multi-purpose room for crafts and music. MyGoKids also will provide hourly childcare for kids from 3 years old to 11 years old. “Children will be able to enjoy a parent-free play date with other kids for music, dance, sports and more at the indoor adventure center,” its website says. “The center will offer off-site adventures too.” MyGoKids is the brainchild of Michael Tsang, who also is behind the MyGoCenter co-working space company that is also opening at Ala Moana Center, in addition to it