$108M Hawaii Convention Center renovation faces another potential delay

HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) - Renovations at the Hawaii Convention Center could face another delay after construction crews discovered an unexpected slope in the roof that was not accounted for in the original engineering plans.

The Hawaii Tourism Authority told lawmakers Wednesday that crews are finding conditions that differ from the original plans as they open up the roof.

“The main unforeseen condition is the sloping in the roof,” said Talon Kishi, a representative with the Hawaii Tourism Authority. “I think the number was like 4-inch slope in the roof.”

Kishi said the slope requires additional on-site inspections to reassess the roof, potentially adding time to the project.

“They’re realizing that now they need on-field inspections to reanalyze the sloping. And that, of course, is going to add some time delays,” Kishi said.

The roof repairs are part of a two-year renovation expected to cost about $108 million.

Other improvements include a rooftop canopy, a keiki courtyard, restroom upgrades, and work on more than a dozen elevators.

Lawmakers set aside about $11 million in contingency funds for unexpected expenses. State Rep. Adrian Tam, who chairs the House Tourism Committee, said the Hawaii Tourism Authority has indicated it does not expect to use those funds.

“From what HTA has expressed to us is that they shouldn’t have to touch the contingency funds,” Tam said.

Tam acknowledged the frustration surrounding the project’s repeated delays.

“The convention center continues to be one of the biggest issues facing HTA and the tourism community right now,” Tam said. “I understand the frustrations because I share them as well. There’s been constant delays.”

The ongoing renovation has also affected events at the convention center, forcing organizers to adjust their plans as space remains limited.

Angel Rambaoa, an administrator with Comic Con Honolulu who helps organize Kawaii Kon, said the event has experienced repeated postponements over the years.

“We’ve been postponed since, well, we’ve had delays from the pandemic in 2020 and then ’21 as well,” Rambaoa said. “‘22, we also were delayed, postponed till 2023. And then 2024, we had another event. And then 2025 and ’26, we were postponed.”

Kawaii Kon typically draws about 20,000 attendees. With less space available during construction, organizers have reduced ticket sales by 25%.

Rambaoa said organizers understand the need for the renovations and are prioritizing the safety of attendees.

“We prioritize safety a lot more than just having fun,” Rambaoa said.

Tam said the Hawaii Tourism Authority is assessing the updated timeline and cost for the roofing project. An update is expected within the next month.