Maui Lani Partners is beginning construction of a central commercial-residential district that will be the commercial core of the huge project, The Maui News reported.

Lots are expected to be ready by September, and Grant Howe of Commercial Properties of Maui, which is sharing the brokerage along with CB Richard Ellis, said 25 percent of the 57 acres is under contract. Despite the overall economic slowdown, he said he expects many of the buyers to begin construction on their properties promptly.

Although no buyers have been identified, Howe said they include a neighborhood hardware store, a drug store, wholesale distribution services and various healthcare professionals.

Maui Lani Village has its own village mixed-use zoning, and several of the occupants are planning to include a residential component with their commercial facility in order to provide live-work opportunities for themselves or their employees.