Hawaii Reserves, Inc.
Hawaii Reserves, Inc. (HRI) is the managing company for many of the public works and retail operations around Laie, Hawaii. It is a subsidiary of Deseret Management Corporation and as such is completely owned and operated by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, sometimes called the Mormon Church. As Laie was first being established by members of the Church as a city and location for the temple and college (Brigham Young University - Hawaii), as well as the Polynesian Cultural Center, the need arose to handle the necessary public works that a city would require. Hawaii Reserves was established for that purpose. Among the assets that HRI manages are Laie Shopping Center, Laie Park, Laie Cemetery, Hukilau Beach Park, Laie Water Company, and Laie Treatment Works.
Hawaii Reserves, Incorporated, was established in 1993. The entity manages or owns a little more than 7,000 acres of land in the Laie area, most purchased in 1865.
- Laie Water Company (established in 1991) operates the water system for the community of Laie and surrounding agricultural properties, delivering pure water from a basal aquifer deep beneath the ground.
- Laie Shopping Center (built in 1969) provides more than two dozen commercial and professional services in a 72,000-square-foot retail complex. From hardware to health care, the center serves a wide range of needs for the entire North Shore community.
- Laie Treatment Works runs a $20 million state-of-the-art wastewater treatment facility constructed by HRI. Since its construction, the facility has run at an operating loss of approximately $1 million annually. An agreement between HRI and the City and County of Honolulu allows for the transfer of the facility to the city.
As a for-profit company, HRI uses revenues generated by its business ventures to fulfill its vision of creating an economically vibrant and sustainable Laie. Although affiliated with the Church of Jesus Christ, HRI does not rely upon tithing paid by Church members to fund its operations.
The company’s business ventures exemplify its deep roots in and long-term commitment to Laie. HRI seeks to invest in the community while preserving the unique character of the area. [1]
