Changes ahead course upgrade, luxury homes planned at Makalei By BOBBY COMMAND San Francisco-based Lynch Investments, which in January purchased the 18-hole course on 1,652 acres about 15 miles north of Kailua-Kona, has also hired Florida-based Kitson and Partners to manage the golf course. Kitson vice president Greg Christovich said the company plans to continue a program of golf course upgrades and eventually develop high-end real estate around the golf course and adjacent property. However, Christovich said Lynch hopes to preserve affordable golf for kamaaina. "Peter Lynch is very fond of the community and wants to be a good neighbor to island residents," he said. Opened in 1992, the Makalei Hawaii Country Club will now be known as the Makalei Golf Club. Christovich said major plans have already been set into motion to improve playing conditions, golf carts, equipment and a new image. Kevin Ginoza, formerly the head pro with Waikoloa Land Co., has been hired as the director of golf. Matt Masemore, formerly with the Taos Country Club in Mew Mexico, is the new golf course superintendent. Maureen Bond has been named the director of marketing and Hal Okita is the regional manager. "All aspects of the facility will experience a facelift such as front entrance, signage, pro-shop inventory, restaurant and golf course," Ginoza said. "Our goal is to provide the best possible golf experience for the best value." The course features bent grass greens and tees, driving range, two practice greens, pro shop and restaurant. Native trees and the natural topography of the land have also been incorporated into the design. The property is zoned for development of about 150 lots. Christovich said there are some issues over water, but he did not anticipate any major obstacles in developing the property. Christovich said Lynch will likely try to complete permitting and entitlements for the residential lots in early 2006 and begin development soon after that. He did not comment on density except to say it would be well under the maximum allowed by law. Lynch has been active in property acquisition on the Big Island, spending $10 million each on 866 acres of residential-zoned land in Waikoloa and the Big Island Country Club with entitlements for 100 lots. Lynch Investments, LLC and its affiliated companies comprise a San Francisco-based real estate investment firm that acquires, develops and manages residential and commercial real estate assets. Beginning in 1998, after 10 years of operating exclusively in the San Francisco residential market, Lynch Investments expanded its focus to include other Bay Area counties, and soon after, began to acquire properties in Southern California and Texas. Over the last two years, Lynch has been dedicating a greater share of its efforts and resources towards land development in Hawaii and has formed a new entity, Lynch Hawaii Development, LLC solely to pursue this initiative. |
