Plans to build condominiums, a hotel and retail space diamond-head of Aloha Tower moved a step closer to fruition yesterday.

Only one person testified against the mixed-use development on state land during a public hearing, suggesting momentum for the mid-rise project with 300 condominiums is being sustained.

The hearing drew little overall public input, but comments were mostly in support of the plan to build residential, time-share and hotel condos plus retail shops, restaurants, parking and an intraisland ferry terminal on land leased from the state at piers 5 and 6.

Sen. Gordon Trimble, R-12th (Waikiki, Ala Moana, Downtown), favors maritime uses for Honolulu Harbor and on those grounds was the lone objector to the project proposed by Texas developer Ken Hughes.

By contrast, the state Department of Transportation Harbor's Division, the Downtown Neighborhood Board, a Harbor Square resident and a representative of First Hawaiian Bank testified in favor of the project. A vice president with CB Richard Ellis Hawai'i, which is part of the Hughes development team, also supported the plan.

The owner of Aloha Tower Marketplace, through attorney Ken Marcus, expressed concern over the loss of about 300 parking stalls on the site, but did not oppose the project.

The Aloha Tower Development Corp., a state agency tasked with redeveloping underused state property from piers 5 to 14 at the harbor, is pursuing the project called Pacific Quay with Hughes.

Yesterday's hearing was required because the agency needs to amend rules to permit residential, hotel and various other commercial uses under the property's maritime zoning, which currently allows restaurants, retail and office use.

Jim Stubenberg, an attorney representing Hughes Development, said the zoning changes are consistent with the agency's mission to enhance the waterfront.

"There is no question that a mixed-use project which permits people and play in the area will be aesthetically more pleasing than a maritime services building," he said. "It will add an aura of vibrancy that can only be achieved by providing a people place, and is certainly superior to the limited uses which are presently permitted."

Based on the hearing, Sandy Pfund, agency executive director, is expected to make a recommendation to the agency's board of directors at a Dec. 27 meeting at which time the board could approve the zoning rule changes.

Financial terms and other details such as a parking agreement with Aloha Tower Marketplace would still need to be worked out for the project to proceed.

A public advisory committee also is collecting feedback on the plan, which may be modified depending on public sentiment.

Reach Andrew Gomes at agomes@honoluluadvertiser.com.