HONOLULU (KHON2) — A second racetrack could be coming to Kalaeloa in the next several years.
On Monday, the Department of Hawaiian Homelands approved a Project Developer Agreement with Legacy Ventures LLC for a ‘world-class raceway.’
The 139 acres of land involve an industrial-commercial mixed-use development, which is currently being rented out by Pasha. And it sits across the street and less than two miles away from where the City and County of Honolulu plan to build its racetrack.
The local developer was the sole bidder in the state’s request for proposals. Their plan calls for a two- to three-mile road course, a quarter-mile drag strip, and multipurpose facilities for concerts, community events, and commercial use. DHHL leaders say the mixed-use project is designed to generate revenue for Native Hawaiian beneficiaries while activating lands that have sat idle for decades.
“This is about getting serious about generating income,” said DHHL Chair Kali Watson. “We have nearly 29,000 people on our waitlist. We can’t just sit on our lands anymore—we need to activate them to build homesteads and provide opportunities.”
Under the deal, Legacy Ventures will receive a right of entry during a three-year due diligence period, followed by a 65-year lease.
The company has also pledged $100,000 annually in scholarships for Native Hawaiian students, as well as commitments to support Hawaiian-owned businesses.
But the plan faces pushback. Senator Kurt Fevella, who represents the area, flew to Hilo to testify in opposition, raising concerns about the displacement of current tenants, traffic impacts, and transparency.
“Pasha and its subtenants, many of them Hawaiian, are going to be evicted after 20 years,” Fevella said. “This project isn’t for the local people. I don’t know anybody here with Formula One cars.” He also questioned the financial terms, saying DHHL has not disclosed how much income the project would actually generate.
Community members have also raised concerns about noise, environmental impacts, and traffic congestion. The site is located less than two miles from where the City and County of Honolulu is advancing its own racetrack project on 400 acres of land in Kalaeloa.
Legacy Ventures and DHHL acknowledged that the project still requires environmental and traffic studies, along with community presentations.
Despite the opposition, DHHL commissioners voted to approve the agreement after an executive session, clearing the way for Legacy Ventures to begin its due diligence.