Connie S. Patton (Letter, Sept. 17) erroneously wrote that Gov. Linda Lingle supported development of 5,000 hotel rooms on the North Shore despite overwhelming opposition.
Ms. Patton needs to get her facts straight.
First, the proposed development on the North Shore would allow 3,500 rooms/timeshare/condo units, not 5,000.
Second, Rep. Colleen Meyer and I introduced a resolution at the 2006 Republican Convention calling for a supplemental environmental impact statement and a re-evaluation of the Turtle Bay project.
The resolution passed due in part to the strong support of Gov. Lingle. What Ms. Patton needs to do is come to the North Shore and see how much we are striving to "Keep the Country, Country" and to share our gratitude that our governor is on our side.
Carol Philips
Candidate, State House 46
Tuesday, September 26, 2006
Friday, September 22, 2006
Let's pretend it is 1997 and YOU are Mr. Oaktree
Note: I am unable to verify the identity of the writer. Scott/Moderator
By Togee-Jon Midpoint, Keep the North Shore Sane
The information from Local 5 is distributed and a campaign starts to block the development.
The main point of Defend Oahu Coalition, Keep The North Shore Country and others is that “20 years is too long for a plan to exist. It needs to be reevaluated. It needs a new EIS. Oaktree is dusting off a 20 year old plan. Etc. etc. etc.” The summation of the views of this are expressed by KK in the video of the demonstration from KHON at Turtle Bay 0n 9-5-06 - KHON Monday 9-5-06 "We don't think you just dust off a 20 year old plan and to ahead with it."
Ironically the “20 Year” argument presented in the guise of rationality by Turtle Bay opponents is the most inaccurate and dangerous statement they make.
The facts as they were outlined in part 1 show, this plan has been actively going by the current owner since 1997 at the latest.
Turtle Bay’s most current plans started in 1997. That was about 10 years after the Unilateral Agreement was unanimously approved by City Council and 9 years ago. That is actually a small time for a project like this. Any large scale real estate project that requires investment, commitment, plans, construction, engineering, permits, conditions, planning dept. approvals, zoning, architecture, design, etc. has a timeline that resembles Turtle Bay's project. In Hawaii things take even longer than most places. For example, K.K. knows how long academic projects that merely move minds, people, paper and computers take. Would 3-5 years from conception of an academic project at the University level to starting the program be considered too long? Absolutely not. With Turtle Bay, where the project is infinitely more complicated, are we to believe this timeline is less complicated than a research project?
The people who are opposed to further development at Turtle Bay are so adamant in their desire to stop them that they will do anything, say anything, try anything, partner with anyone and in general resort to any means possible to try and stop Oaktree.
I think that the renunciation of reason, truth and honest/open dialogue over ANY issue is harmful to the future of the North Shore.
There are so many other distortions out there.. If the end justifies the means, I guess people feel like they can say and do anything to get their way. I think that is wrong.
If you oppose Turtle Bay let's know the truth, learn the truth and tell the truth.
Those opposing Turtle Bay, what are your ideas about the property rights that Mr. Oaktree has?
By Togee-Jon Midpoint, Keep the North Shore Sane
(the scene) 1997 - The real estate market in California and Japan is bleak. Both bubbles burst in the early 1990's and the casualties from the fall out include the Pacific Northwest, California and in the pincher of both recessions - Hawaii.
Hawaii's economy is hurting, home prices have declined for at least 6 years and the factors that drove it up - Japanese and primarily California visitors and investors have much larger issues to deal with than leisure market investment options.
Turtle Bay since the big marketing bang of the late 1980's - PGA and LPGA golf tournaments, Jazz Festivals, lavish parties, big plans for expansion has been steadily declining and the place is gradually starting to resemble its nickname "Beirut". Chunks of concrete are falling off the building, the roof leaks, the keiki playground is closed due to hazardous equipment, there is no maintainence budget and both golf courses are suffering from lack of money to take care of priorities. The Japanese owners are out of money, can not execute their development plans because they have no dough, the market is awful and they are doing NOTHING to make the place better. They cut spending to pretty much $0 and put the property up for sale.
YOU are Mr. Oaktree with offices in L.A. and N.Y. sees something come across your desk. "800 plus acres on Oahu for sale. Distressed owner from Japan, needs fixing up, with approvals to build 4 more hotels and 2 condos developments. 27 holes of golf, with potential to have 36 holes".
Interesting.
At this point in time, you Mr. Oaktree have a number of big things to consider. How much do I pay? Can this place be fixed? How much will it cost to be fixed? Will Oahu be an attractive destination again? If I fix it will people come and pay what I need them to pay to make money?
You do not consider that if you do everything you need to do you might not be able to build out the Resort.
We know how this story plays out. You Mr. Oaktree buy the Resort in 1998. It takes 2-3 years to get approvals to start the massive remodeling of the hotel. In 2001, there are cranes in the air and work is going full blast. 9-11-01 is another blow to Hawaii's tourism industry, people are afraid to fly and the economy nose dives.
Mr. Oaktree keeps going, by time he's done. Essentially a new hotel is done, new pools, Lei Lei's, Ola, new 9 holes of golf, 2 remodeled courses, Ocean Villas condos, hiking trails, etc. etc. etc. - $100,000,000 plus in investment.
Now Mr. Oaktree wants to put in infrastructure to build more stuff. The infrastructure will deliver to the 6 zoned parcels water, power, cable, sewer, etc.. The maximum combined number of units is 3,500 as the Unilateral Agreement states. Those are the conditions that he bought the property under, in full compliance with all laws.
In January 2006, UNITE HERE Union Local 5 who was in a labor dispute and boycotting Turtle Bay notifies and starts organizing some North Shore people against Oaktree. Which brings us to today.
Hawaii's economy is hurting, home prices have declined for at least 6 years and the factors that drove it up - Japanese and primarily California visitors and investors have much larger issues to deal with than leisure market investment options.
Turtle Bay since the big marketing bang of the late 1980's - PGA and LPGA golf tournaments, Jazz Festivals, lavish parties, big plans for expansion has been steadily declining and the place is gradually starting to resemble its nickname "Beirut". Chunks of concrete are falling off the building, the roof leaks, the keiki playground is closed due to hazardous equipment, there is no maintainence budget and both golf courses are suffering from lack of money to take care of priorities. The Japanese owners are out of money, can not execute their development plans because they have no dough, the market is awful and they are doing NOTHING to make the place better. They cut spending to pretty much $0 and put the property up for sale.
YOU are Mr. Oaktree with offices in L.A. and N.Y. sees something come across your desk. "800 plus acres on Oahu for sale. Distressed owner from Japan, needs fixing up, with approvals to build 4 more hotels and 2 condos developments. 27 holes of golf, with potential to have 36 holes".
Interesting.
At this point in time, you Mr. Oaktree have a number of big things to consider. How much do I pay? Can this place be fixed? How much will it cost to be fixed? Will Oahu be an attractive destination again? If I fix it will people come and pay what I need them to pay to make money?
You do not consider that if you do everything you need to do you might not be able to build out the Resort.
We know how this story plays out. You Mr. Oaktree buy the Resort in 1998. It takes 2-3 years to get approvals to start the massive remodeling of the hotel. In 2001, there are cranes in the air and work is going full blast. 9-11-01 is another blow to Hawaii's tourism industry, people are afraid to fly and the economy nose dives.
Mr. Oaktree keeps going, by time he's done. Essentially a new hotel is done, new pools, Lei Lei's, Ola, new 9 holes of golf, 2 remodeled courses, Ocean Villas condos, hiking trails, etc. etc. etc. - $100,000,000 plus in investment.
Now Mr. Oaktree wants to put in infrastructure to build more stuff. The infrastructure will deliver to the 6 zoned parcels water, power, cable, sewer, etc.. The maximum combined number of units is 3,500 as the Unilateral Agreement states. Those are the conditions that he bought the property under, in full compliance with all laws.
In January 2006, UNITE HERE Union Local 5 who was in a labor dispute and boycotting Turtle Bay notifies and starts organizing some North Shore people against Oaktree. Which brings us to today.
Turtle Bay Opponents - Do the Ends Justify The Means? (Part 2)
(the scene – 2006) UNITE HERE Union Local 5 who was in a labor dispute and boycotting Turtle Bay notifies and starts organizing some North Shore people and organizations against Oaktree and the plan to proceed with the development at Turtle Bay.The information from Local 5 is distributed and a campaign starts to block the development.
The main point of Defend Oahu Coalition, Keep The North Shore Country and others is that “20 years is too long for a plan to exist. It needs to be reevaluated. It needs a new EIS. Oaktree is dusting off a 20 year old plan. Etc. etc. etc.” The summation of the views of this are expressed by KK in the video of the demonstration from KHON at Turtle Bay 0n 9-5-06 - KHON Monday 9-5-06 "We don't think you just dust off a 20 year old plan and to ahead with it."
Ironically the “20 Year” argument presented in the guise of rationality by Turtle Bay opponents is the most inaccurate and dangerous statement they make.
The facts as they were outlined in part 1 show, this plan has been actively going by the current owner since 1997 at the latest.
Turtle Bay’s most current plans started in 1997. That was about 10 years after the Unilateral Agreement was unanimously approved by City Council and 9 years ago. That is actually a small time for a project like this. Any large scale real estate project that requires investment, commitment, plans, construction, engineering, permits, conditions, planning dept. approvals, zoning, architecture, design, etc. has a timeline that resembles Turtle Bay's project. In Hawaii things take even longer than most places. For example, K.K. knows how long academic projects that merely move minds, people, paper and computers take. Would 3-5 years from conception of an academic project at the University level to starting the program be considered too long? Absolutely not. With Turtle Bay, where the project is infinitely more complicated, are we to believe this timeline is less complicated than a research project?
The people who are opposed to further development at Turtle Bay are so adamant in their desire to stop them that they will do anything, say anything, try anything, partner with anyone and in general resort to any means possible to try and stop Oaktree.
I think that the renunciation of reason, truth and honest/open dialogue over ANY issue is harmful to the future of the North Shore.
There are so many other distortions out there.. If the end justifies the means, I guess people feel like they can say and do anything to get their way. I think that is wrong.
If you oppose Turtle Bay let's know the truth, learn the truth and tell the truth.
Those opposing Turtle Bay, what are your ideas about the property rights that Mr. Oaktree has?
Wednesday, September 20, 2006
Complaints of Low Flying Helicopters from Resort
A North Shore resident living close to the Turtle Bay Resort pointed out concerns of an increase of low flying helicopters from the resort. Recently the resort has started short scenic flights highlighting the North Shore area. Currently there is no restriction on how low these tours can fly. Officials at the North Shore Neighborhood Board advised concerned residents to call the FAA state hotline and report the air and sound nuisance. The number to call is 1-888-697-7813.
Wednesday, September 13, 2006
Important Community Hearing September 26 at Honolulu Hale
Defend Oahu Coalition will deliver their petition calling for the city council to review, modify, or amend the 20 year old SMA permits at a special community hearing on Tuesday September 26 at Honolulu Hale. Supporters are encouraged to bring signs for sign waving at 9:30 am. The meeting will occur at 10:00 am.
This is another step in an effort organized by Defend Oahu Coalition (DOC) and North Shore community members to stop efforts by the Turtle Bay Resort to go ahead with expansion plans. The expansion is based on approvals by the city council made over 20 years ago. The coalition reports that October 26 is the Department of Planning and Permitting's (DPP) deadline. Community involvement and islandwide attendance is encouraged at this hearing.
Check out the Defend Oahu Coalition website for more details.
This is another step in an effort organized by Defend Oahu Coalition (DOC) and North Shore community members to stop efforts by the Turtle Bay Resort to go ahead with expansion plans. The expansion is based on approvals by the city council made over 20 years ago. The coalition reports that October 26 is the Department of Planning and Permitting's (DPP) deadline. Community involvement and islandwide attendance is encouraged at this hearing.
Check out the Defend Oahu Coalition website for more details.
Tuesday, September 05, 2006
Residents protest Turtle Bay expansion
Kahuku resident Mark Cunningham said he believes the beauty of O'ahu's North Shore is something to be shared, but that building more hotels and condos in the area goes too far and will threaten what people enjoy about the area.
More about this at the Honolulu Advertiser
More about this at the Honolulu Advertiser
Monday, September 04, 2006
Grass roots effort opposes Turtle Bay expansion
The Defend Oahu Coalition rallied in front of Turtle Bay Resort Monday after collecting more than 4,000 signatures against expanding the resort.
The signatures, many of them collected over the weekend at the Hawaii Healing Garden event at Waimea Valley, went on a petition asking the Honolulu City Council to reconsider the approval of Turtle Bay building five more hotels.
More at Pacific Business News
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