A Crowd Pleaser

Michael Fuchs is building a Big Island development with a great storyline

Real estate, like movie making, is as much business as it is an art. According to Michael Fuchs, developers and producers can research a market or a movie concept to death, but they never how well their product will be received until they bring it to market. But the cable-television wizard turned Big Island real estate developer says that a healthy respect for the audience can help fill this information gap.

"I'm not an experienced real estate guy, but I know about luxury and I know what makes people happy," says Fuchs. "I've traveled enough to know that Hawaii is something pretty spectacular, unlike any other place in the world. It's the weather, the people, the physical setting, a feeling. I have friends who tell me that as soon as they step off the plane, it's like instant relaxation. I don't know what it is."

Ke Kailani is Fuch's attempt to tap into the Islands' mysterious recuperative powers. The $150-million, low-density luxury development is located on 65 acres of oceanfront property, next door to the Kohala Coast's Mauna Lani Resort. The project, which broke ground last April, will feature 39 1-acre lots priced from $1.5 million to $1.9 million and 20 villas, which will range from $3.5 million to $4.4 million.

Photo: Cory Lum

One of the development's unique elements is an architecture that echoes traditional kamaaina estates, emphasizing openness and a connection to the natural elements. These villas are designed by renowned Island architect Francis Oda and feature gourmet kitchens laid out by chef Alan Wong. In addition, the community park features thatched hale (houses) and a hula mound.

Approximately three-quarters of Ke Kailani's first release of properties have been sold, about a dozen purchases. The numbers hardly certify the development as a blockbuster hit, but, according to Fuchs, that people signed up when very little construction had been started on the development told him that Ke Kailani's storyline would be popular with customers.

Fuchs' business instincts have a long track record of success. The one-time real estate agent worked at cable television's HBO for nearly 20 years, serving as its chairman and chief executive officer for more than a decade. Under Fuchs' guidance, HBO was transformed from a fledgling broadcaster of movies after their theatrical releases to an industry-leading cable network, renowned for the quality of its original programming.

Michael Fuchs Owner, Ke Kailani Age: 59 Education: Union College, B.S., political science; New York University Law School, J.D. Work Experience: Named chairman and chief executive officer of HBO, which would become the largest and most successful pay-television company in the world. Joined the warner Music Group as its chairman in 1995. Family: Two children

Fuchs says that real estate is far more detail oriented than movie making, but far less collaborative. A developer has much more creative freedom than a director, who must answer to a whole host of studio executives and film technicians. Maybe the biggest difference in the two industries is in accountability. "In the movies, customers can't sue you every time they see a bad film. In real estate, that happens all the time."

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