The Honolulu City Council has approved a significant expansion of the Hilton's master plan area, incorporating three newly acquired zoning lots into its development. This move allows for the construction of a new tower, which will be built on these parcels as well as portions of three existing ones already included in the master plan.

The approval treats the entire master plan area as a single zoning lot, streamlining the development process. However, the project comes with strict conditions, particularly concerning archaeological considerations. The site is home to two historic properties listed on the state inventory, including burial sites, which necessitated a thorough archaeological review.

In 2024, the applicant completed an archaeological inventory survey that revealed five historic properties on the site, including two previously identified and three new findings—two of which involved human skeletal remains. As a result, an archaeological monitoring plan and a burial treatment plan must be developed and implemented during construction to ensure compliance with preservation standards.

This decision underscores the balance between development and the preservation of Hawaii's rich cultural heritage, as the council emphasizes the importance of safeguarding historical sites amid ongoing urban growth. The next steps will involve the implementation of the required archaeological plans to protect the integrity of the site during construction.