Turtle Bay plan gets another extension from the city

The city has granted a third six-month extension on an application to subdivide land at the Turtle Bay Resort, allowing preparatory work to move ahead but stopping short of giving the owner what it wants — permission to develop the property fully.

More at the Honolulu Advertiser

Campaign to preserve Turtle Bay

Denise Antolini presented for the working group's review a draft of a new brochure to support the "Campaign to Preserve Turtle Bay," which is a joint effort of the Trust for Public Land and the North Shore Community Land Trust, in partnership with the Ko'olauloa-North Shore Alliance, to raise five million dollars in private funding to support the preservation effort. Blake McElheny announced that a special reception featuring the auction of an original painting of Kawela Bay by renowned North Shore artist Bill Braden will be held at the Hawai'i Prince Hotel at 5:00 p.m. on August 22. To find out more about the art auction or to donate, visit www.tpl.org/turtlebay or contact: Keith Kraughto, Hawaiian Islands Program Development Director, The Trust for Public Land, 212 Merchant Street, Suite 320, Honolulu, HI 96813, (808) 524-8560, keith.kraughto@tpl.org

Technical Concerns

Speaking on behalf of DLNR director and committee chair Laura Thielen, Mitch Costino provided an interim report on the status of the City and County of Honolulu's 1986 Unilateral Agreement (UA) with the resort for the conditional zoning change. The committee's focus is on how the UA impacts the acquisition strategies being discussed by the Working Group. He stressed that the subcommittee believes that the continued and sustained operation of the Opana water system and the North Shore Wastewater Treatment facility, both located mauka of Kamehameha Highway, are important to any acquisition strategy currently under consideration and to the security of future resort owners as well as the existing users. Mr. Costino also reported on the various infrastructure and improvements that are required by the UA but have not yet been satisfied. Further details regarding the impact of those important issues will be addressed in subsequent committee reports to the working group.

Governor's Installation Dinner Remarks on Turtle Bay

Governor Lingle spoke to the North Shore Chamber of Commerce at their installation banquet on June 4 about the progress of the plan to protect Turtle Bay, and also signed into law two bills that strengthen the State's and community's ongoing collaborative efforts to preserve lands and natural resources for future generations. Watch the Governor's remarks on:

Friday, July 18 at 1:00 p.m. – 'Olelo Channel 54
Friday, July 25 at 4:00 p.m. – 'Olelo Channel 54
Thursday, July 31 at 6:00 p.m. – 'Olelo Channel 49
Friday, August 1 at 6:00 p.m. – 'Olelo Channel 49

Kuilima Resort won't have to defend expansion plans

The Land Use Commission yesterday deferred action that would have forced Kuilima Resort to defend its right to operate under a 1986 zone change that allows for the expansion of the Turtle Bay Resort.

At issue is a 263-acre parcel that has a championship golf course. The master plan for the area calls for public parks, a stable and condominiums, none of which have been built.

More at the Honolulu Advertiser

Governor signs bill to acquire Turtle Bay

With North Shore business and environmental leaders looking on in approval, Gov. Linda Lingle last night signed a bill into law authorizing the state to acquire the Turtle Bay Resort and keep some of the undeveloped land in preservation.
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The bill signing at a North Shore Chamber of Commerce banquet in Waimea Valley was a ceremonial yet important moment for an idea that began as a surprise in the governor's State of the State speech in January.

More at the Honolulu Advertiser

Working to protect Oahu's country

By Bill Paty

Most Hawai'i residents are by now aware of the opportunity announced by Gov. Linda Lingle during her State of the State address to protect the Turtle Bay Resort on O'ahu's North Shore and preserve this spectacular coastline in perpetuity.

More at the Honolulu Advertiser

Turtle Bay owner restructures debt, names Stanford Carr as top manager

The owner of the Turtle Bay Resort on the North Shore of Oahu has reached a settlement with its lenders and has named prominent Hawaii developer Stanford Carr as its new top manager.

More at Pacific Business News

Turtle Bay acquisition approved

In a symbolic commitment, the state House and Senate yesterday voted to approve a bill that would authorize the state to acquire the Turtle Bay Resort on the North Shore.

More at the Honolulu Advertiser

Lingle's Turtle Bay plan gains lawmakers' backing

State House and Senate lawmakers, in a vote just before a midnight Friday deadline, agreed to a bill that would allow the state to acquire and preserve Turtle Bay Resort on the North Shore.

The Lingle administration is in negotiations with private investors on the sale of the hotel, golf courses and other developed portions of the 880-acre resort. The idea is to use proceeds of the sale of the developed land to finance the preservation of undeveloped land such as Kawela Bay and Kahuku Point.

More at the Honolulu Advertiser

Turtle Bay land draws buyers

Oahu's controversial Turtle Bay Resort is attracting multiple parties interested in acquiring part of the 850-acre North Shore resort, according to a member of an advisory group commissioned by Gov. Linda Lingle.

"Papers were put on the table by potential buyers," said Steve Metter, head of a subcommittee responsible for acquisition options.

Meanwhile, a financial consultant hired by the state says that any buyer would need at least some further development, possibly outside of the existing hotel's footprint, in order to recoup money that would be required to maintain the resort.

More at the Honolulu Star Bulletin

Bill to buy Turtle Bay ready for committee

Legislators are expecting to know more tomorrow about how far the Lingle administration will go to save the Turtle Bay area of the North Shore from further development.

State senators pulled back a resolution yesterday endorsing Gov. Linda Lingle's unspecified plan to control the 880-acre area, which is zoned for an additional 3,500 resort units.

Supporters are now focused on a bill to purchase Turtle Bay, Senate Bill 2423, set for a conference committee tomorrow morning.

More at the Honolulu Star Bulletin

Senate drops Turtle Bay motion

The state Senate yesterday discarded a resolution backing Gov. Linda Lingle on the state purchase of Turtle Bay Resort because several senators thought it went too far.

The Lingle administration had asked for the resolution to help show potential private investors that state lawmakers are fully behind her idea. The resolution would have only committed the Senate to a "good faith review" of the terms of any proposed deal, but several senators believed the title of the resolution implied a broader commitment.

More at the Honolulu Advertiser

Support sought on resort's purchase

Lingle asks legislators for resolution backing Turtle Bay preservation

With a deal for the state to acquire Turtle Bay Resort unlikely to happen before the legislative session ends, Gov. Linda Lingle has asked state lawmakers to approve a resolution backing the preservation of the resort's undeveloped land.

More at the Honolulu Advertiser

Turtle Bay foes appeal EIS ruling

Opponents of expansion at Turtle Bay urged a state appellate court yesterday to require a new environmental study on a proposed massive development on Oahu's North Shore.

Keep the North Shore Country and the Sierra Club Hawaii Chapter appealed to the Hawaii Intermediate Court of Appeals in their lawsuit against Kuilima Resort Co., which has plans to develop up to 3,500 hotel and condominium units on one of Oahu's last remaining rural coasts.

More at the Honolulu Star Bulletin

Governor's Turtle Bay working group update

RESORT VIABILITY

Assuring the long-term economic viability of the existing Turtle Bay Resort and stability of its workforce are critically important. Up to 700 employees work and support the resort, the largest employer on the North Shore and an economic engine for sustained prosperity of that community. The resort must be able to generate sufficient, dependable revenue for its owners and operators to remain in business.

At the April 2 meeting, the Long-Term Resort Viability Committee presented a report identifying the elements necessary for the success of new ownership. The committee report highlighted that the undeveloped environment surrounding the resort, its isolation from other tourist facilities, and the rural lifestyle of the North Shore are currently being used to successfully market the resort and maintain high occupancy rates.

The committee proposed that any new development on the property necessary for economic viability be restricted to the existing footprint and not develop the remaining open space. The committee also identified other key criteria to be considered in acquisition, including protection for public access to the shoreline, the importance of the mauka lands for agricultural uses and existing water and sewage facilities, the potential for renewable energy projects, the need to upgrade facilities to "green" standards, and utilizing the unique natural assets of the area in future marketing for the resort (e.g., ecotourism, film industry, wellness, golf).

The committee concluded that, although a limited expansion of the existing resort campus in the currently developed area may be necessary to maintain viability and quality employment, community support for a new plan is necessary as well. The full committee report is posted at www.hawaii.gov/gov/turtlebay


ACQUISITION PROGRESS

Potential buyers continue to contact the State of Hawai'i and the Acquisition Committee to explore options for purchasing developed components of the property. With the assistance of an appraiser contracted by the State, the committee is identifying the possible price ranges for pieces such as the resort, golf course, mauka lands and other businesses. Also underway is an economic sustainability study of the resort operations to determine long-term viability in its current form or if limited expansion is allowed within the existing developed area.

The committee acknowledged the positive message sent by the Legislature's support of SB2423, the bill allowing the Governor to acquire the Turtle Bay property. Final passage will demonstrate to creditors and potential buyers that the State is ready for acquisition.



LEGISLATION UPDATE

Support for two bills currently advancing toward final passage in the Legislature is important to ensure that the full range of tools are available as discussions with the owners, creditors, partners and the community move forward. Residents are encouraged to contact state legislators to express support for these measures.

Acquisition Tools Bill. SB2423 SD2 HD1, the bill authorizing the Governor to acquire the Turtle Bay property, passed out of the full Senate, passed through three House committees, and will be heard in conference. The legislation contains $250,000 for negotiations with Oaktree, but the amount of any bonds necessary to support the purchase has not yet been determined.

Land Conservation Fund Flexibility. SB3102 SD2 adds flexibility to DLNR's land conservation fund by allowing public and private moneys to be added and distributed as grants for the acquisition of state conservation lands. This bill has passed the Senate and passed Thursday through the House Finance Committee.



GOVERNOR'S LETTER TO SENATOR DANIEL INOUYE

To gain federal financial resources for the Turtle Bay acquisition, Governor Lingle wrote a letter on March 31 to Senator Daniel Inouye asking for his support in Congress. The Governor indicated that federal funding could be available through the Department of Defense Buffer Lands Program and the Department of the Interior's Land Water Conservation Fund and Cooperative Endangered Species Conservation Fund. Also, the Farm Bill could include funds for acquiring 400 acres of agricultural land mauka of Kamehameha Highway.

Please contact Senator Inouye to express your support for federal funding:

Web Form: inouye.senate.gov/abtform.html



FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Q1: What is the Governor's goal in acquiring the 850-acre Turtle Bay property?

A: The Governor has set the following goals for the acquisition:

(1) Preserve the long-term economic viability of the resort and its workforce, and

(2) Preserve the undeveloped lands to protect the North Shore's spectacular natural resources and unique country lifestyle.

Q2: Why are the current employees and the long-term viability of the resort important?

A: There are as many as 700 employees who work and support the operations of the resort, which is the largest employer on the North Shore and an economic engine for sustained prosperity of that community. It is in the public's interest to keep the facility active and viable. Without the resort, most of those employees who live in Kahuku, La'ie, Sunset Beach, Pupukea, and Hale'iwa would be forced to seek employment elsewhere on the island. A representative of the major employees' union is on the Governor's Advisory Working Group.

Q3: Why are the North Shore's natural resources and country lifestyle important to preserve?

A: A primary part of what makes Hawai'i so special for residents and visitors from around the world are the places of unparalleled beauty, such as O'ahu's North Shore. The Turtle Bay property includes a significant portion of undeveloped land and shoreline that greatly enhances the quality of life for all Hawai'i residents. Overdevelopment not only destroys the natural resources that the people of the state treasure, but it also detracts from the appeal of visiting Hawai'i for tourists.

Q4: Will the State be paying for the entire property?

A: Although the State may initially purchase the entire property, the Governor does not want the State to own the resort hotel, golf courses, related businesses and condominiums and will meet with those appropriate private entities interested in the property. The Governor's goal is to minimize the expenditure of public funds. Federal funds and private contributions are expected to help the State minimize the ultimate purchase price.

Q5: Will the State of Hawai'i run the resort?

A: The State will not operate or manage the resort. There have been several private entities that have expressed an interest in acquiring both the hotel and golf courses, and it is Governor's goal to sell off various parcels of the resort to pay down any debt that may be incurred in the acquisition and minimize the expenditure of State funds.

Q6: How is the current foreclosure action taken by Bank Credit Suisse going to affect the Governor's proposal to acquire the Turtle Bay Resort?

A: It is the Governor's firm belief that the State, if it acts expeditiously and decisively, can accomplish the acquisition of the resort before the circuit court appoints a receiver in the pending foreclosure suit.

Q7: I understand the Turtle Bay acquisition also includes the agricultural lands mauka of Kamehameha Highway. What will the State do with those agricultural lands?

A: The acquisition does include agricultural lands, as well as the resort's sewage treatment facility and water wells mauka of Kamehameha Highway. The vision for the mauka lands is that they will stay in diversified agriculture.

Q8: I live on leased land in the condos at Turtle Bay. If the State acquires the resort will I have an opportunity to purchase my fee from the state?

A: The State has no intention of holding the leasehold on the condominiums; it has retained an appraiser and anticipates offering the fee at fair market value.

Q9: If there isn't development, what will provide future jobs at the resort and in the surrounding area?

A: The Governor believes the Hawai'i Innovation Initiative and her emphasis on achieving energy independence can provide a strong foundation for transforming the economy of the North Shore and our entire state. As she commented in her State of the State, "It is as certain as night follows day that we cannot speculate or sell ourselves into prosperity," she said. "Instead, we have to be willing to invest in those education and workforce programs that will prepare people to succeed in an increasingly competitive world."

Q10: How can I get the most current information on the efforts to acquire Turtle Bay?

For more information, visit the Governor's Turtle Bay website: www.hawaii.gov/gov/turtlebay

E-mail the Turtle Bay Advisory Working Group at: TurtleBayAWG@gmail.com.



NEXT MEETING

The next meeting of the Turtle Bay Advisory Working Group is scheduled for Wednesday, April 16, 2008 at 10 a.m.

Turtle Bay expansion necessary, panel says

Advisory group says expansion within the existing resort needed to make deal work

Despite widespread community opposition to enlarging the Turtle Bay Resort, an advisory group commissioned by Gov. Linda Lingle is considering a limited expansion of the North Shore property.

Expansion, but within the resort's existing footprint, is necessary to make the deal feasible and to keep the remaining portion of the 850-acre property undeveloped, said Eric Gill, head of a committee of the Turtle Bay Advisory Working Group focused on the resort's long-term viability.

"The reality is we're trying to mark a path that can get community support," Gill said.

Read more at the Honolulu Star Bulletin

Governor's Turtle Bay working group seeks input

The Governor's Turtle Bay Advisory Working Group is encouraging the public to stay involved with the efforts to acquire the Turtle Bay property.

Residents can visit www.hawaii.gov/gov/turtlebay for news, meeting minutes, legislative progress, video of the community talk story and more.

The group welcomes the public's ideas and feedback. E-mail the group to receive regular updates at TurtleBayAWG@gmail.com.

The group meets next on Wednesday.

Turtle Bay plan gains support

What started as a surprise statement in the governor's State of the State speech could be headed toward reality, with legislators and community members backing a proposal that would preserve Turtle Bay from further development.

More on the story at Honolulu Advertiser

Hearing Relating to the Purchase of Turtle Bay

The Senate Committee on Water and Land heard testimony on SB2423 SD1, which provides tools for the acquisition of 850 acres of land at Turtle Bay, including five miles of pristine coastline on O‘ahu’s North Shore.

More info at Governor Linda Lingle's area of the Hawaii state website.
Watch the video.

The Time to Preserve Turtle Bay Land is Now

It is critical that we support Gov. Linda Lingle's proposal for the state to buy the land surrounding Turtle Bay Resort.

We need to preserve and protect this undeveloped land for ourselves and future generations. Once it is dug up or paved over, it will be gone forever.

The governor has a great idea, and the Legislature is considering a bill to approve the purchase. The people of Hawai'i need to voice their support to keep this part of the country country.

We will not get a second chance to do it right.
Anne Sabalaske
Honolulu

Turtle Bay bill advances

The measure would let the state buy the land to preserve it.

Plans to halt development of the Turtle Bay area are gaining momentum in the state Legislature, according to House and Senate supporters.

Yesterday a House committee approved the bill to permit Gov. Linda Lingle to stop development by arranging for the purchase of the Turtle Bay resort and surrounding property.

More at the Honolulu Star Bulletin

Hundreds meet with Lingle on Turtle Bay

Gov. Linda Lingle last night told a crowd of more than 500 people that the proposed state purchase of Turtle Bay property is a chance "to plant our flag in the sand" against runaway development.

More at the Honolulu Advertiser

Turtle Bay exec says buyout idea hurting

The general manager of the Turtle Bay Resort said a proposal by the state to purchase the North Shore resort has already "severely impacted" business and has placed the "primary economic engine on the North Shore in a potentially perilous position."

More at the Honolulu Advertiser

Chamber's Position on Turtle Bay Resort's Proposed Expansion

Letter from North Shore Chamber of Commerce:

Aloha Members,

I am writing to inform you of a motion that was passed at our February Board of Directors Meeting and share some of the general feelings of the board. The motion that I am referring to is as follows:

"The Board of Directors of the NSCOC previously decided to NOT take a position on the proposed Turtle Bay Resort expansion. However at the recent January membership meeting, a motion was presented and passed which does not reflect the position of the board nor its entire membership."

As stated in the motion, the board had previously discussed the proposed expansion of the Turtle Bay Resort and felt that as a Chamber of Commerce it would be inappropriate to take a position in this situation. The Chamber's key role is to support business and educate members regarding issues.

Here are the circumstances that led to the above action. At the general membership meeting on Jan 31st a motion was made, in accordance with our Bylaws, to amend our meeting agenda to include a discussion about Turtle Bay . The motion was seconded and we allotted 5 minutes on our agenda to discuss this item. When we reached this item on the agenda the following motion was made and passed:

"The North Shore Chamber supports the existing Turtle Bay Hotel and Operations and opposes the full expansion plan as proposed.”

As I have already stated above, the board does not feel it appropriate to take a position in this situation. Furthermore, I feel while the motions made at the membership meeting were within the guidelines of our bylaws, it was not a fair and open way to deal with this issue. If the Chamber is going to take positions of this nature, I would expect that we would provide a forum to hear from both sides and make our entire membership aware that we would be having this type of discussion. I am not suggesting we do this, rather pointing out that this motion was made and passed without due diligence.

Please feel free to contact me or any of our board members should you want to comment on this issue.

Mahalo,

Josh D. Heimowitz
Chairman
North Shore Chamber of Commerce
Phone: 637-4615 Ext. 32

Governor Lingle to hold North Shore Talk Story

Governor Lingle will hold a Talk Story Session March 4, 2008 from 6:30 - 8:30 at Kahuku High School Cafeteria. The main topic is in regard to the unique initiative the Governor announced in the recent State of the State speech.

Let YOUR voice be heard! Share your ideas for acquisition, preservation and conservation of the land surrounding the Turtle Bay Resort.

Lawsuit Likely to Determine Turtle Bay Purchase

A foreclosure lawsuit filed in state court last month by Credit Suisse seeks to take complete control of Turtle Bay Resort after owner Kuilima Resort Company defaulted on its loan of $275 million.

More reporting at KHON2 News

Lawmakers Support Buying Turtle Bay Resort

The governor's idea of buying the Turtle Bay Resort property is getting support from some lawmakers and many community groups.

Two senators have introduced a bill that would allow the state to buy the land around the resort but not the hotel itself.

More reporting at KGMB9 News

New Network of Organizations Support the Governor's and the Legislature's Plans to Acquire Turtle Bay Resort

The Koolauloa-North Shore Alliance is a newly formed umbrella group for dozens of organizations who support the initiative to purchase the undeveloped lands at the Turtle Bay Resort.

More of the story at Hawaii Reporter

Dozens back state plan to buy Turtle Bay land

A bill to preserve open space on the North Shore said to be worth hundreds of millions of dollars received overwhelming support from dozens of residents yesterday at the state Capitol.

More of the story at Honolulu Advertiser

Creditor wants Turtle Bay under court control

As the governor has proposed buying the Turtle Bay resort, the property owner is fighting legal efforts to place the sprawling North Shore resort under control of a court-appointed receiver.

More at Honolulu Advertiser

Turtle Bay proposal called head-scratcher

Gov. Linda Lingle's plan to buy the Turtle Bay Resort — and keep the hotel and golf courses operating — does not make economic sense without another money-generating project on the property, the attorney for the resort's management said yesterday.

More at Honolulu Advertiser

Lingle says state should buy Turtle Bay

Hawaii Gov. Linda Lingle on Tuesday proposed that the state buy the Turtle Bay property on Oahu's North Shore to protect it from further development.

More at Pacific Business News

Developers have big plans for Hawaii town

Developers are proposing to build more than 700 new homes in Kahuku — without substantially increasing the population and traffic along the Windward Coast.
More at Honolulu Advertiser