CASE STUDY
KAWAIHAE SHOPPING CENTER
Recovering a Family Legacy
OVERVIEW
For over 100 years, the Martinson family has called Kawaihae home. Their property, once a thriving family gathering place, had fallen into disrepair due to decades of financial and legal challenges. Determined to restore his family’s legacy, Scotty Martinson partnered with Big Island Commercial Properties to bring the Kawaihae Shopping Center back to life.
THE CHALLENGE
After years of legal battles, Scotty Martinson finally regained ownership of Kawaihae Shopping Center, a property originally purchased by his great-grandmother. However, the building had suffered years of neglect—roof damage, electrical issues, and structural wear threatened its future. With the added challenge of navigating the COVID-19 pandemic, restoring the center to a thriving commercial space seemed like a daunting task.
“I didn’t give up on bringing the property back to life because I saw it in its heyday. My family has lived in Kawaihae for over 100 years, and it's part of our heritage. No matter what, I couldn't let it just fall apart."
— Scotty Martinson, Property Owner
THE SOLUTION
Understanding the complexity of the project, Scotty called James Augustine of Big Island Commercial Properties. Under James' guidance, our team took a strategic approach to renovation and commercial leasing, focusing on:
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Comprehensive Renovation – BICP helped Scotty address structural damage, electrical upgrades, and general repairs to make the property safe and functional.
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Expert Property Management – BICP handles day-to-day operations, maintenance, tenant relations, and long-term leasing strategy.
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Occupancy Growth – Bringing in local businesses, including Scotty’s own cousins, to revitalize the shopping center as an economic center and strengthen community ties.
OUR RESULTS
Through a five-year effort and an investment of over seven figures, the once-deteriorating shopping center is now a thriving commercial hub.
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Occupancy increased from 50% to over 90%.
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The property became a profitable investment, with rental income set to outpace acquisition and renovation costs.
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Kawaihae Marketplace, run by Scotty’s cousins, moved into the shopping center, ensuring the family legacy lives on.
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Scotty and his family feel pride in knowing that they've honored their family's legacy and are contributing to the vibrancy of the community.
“I just wanted to fix it up and have something that’s part of our family’s legacy—something the community can be proud of. Now Big Island Commercial Properties handles the day-to-day management, and it’s a place that families are stoked to visit.”
— Scotty Martinson, Property Owner
A LASTING IMPACT
Today, Big Island Commercial Properties continues to manage the Kawaihae Shopping Center, ensuring its long-term growth and sustainability. Scotty, now retired from the surf industry, takes pride in seeing his family’s history preserved. He also benefits from more free time to catch a wave and relax with family.
