Turtle Bay Resort Expansion

Turtle Bay hotel developer must do new EIS, Hawaii Supreme Court rules

2010-04-08T21:14:00.000-10:00

The Hawaii Supreme Court has blocked the proposed Kuilima Resort Turtle Bay expansion project on Oahu's North Shore, ruling that an updated environmental impact statement must first be performed.

In a 67-page ruling today, the high court overturned earlier decisions in the Circuit and Intermediate Court of Appeals which held that an original EIS performed in 1985 and partially updated later did not have to be replaced by a new supplementary EIS. Today's ruling means the developer will have to do a new supplemental EIS.

More at the Honolulu Advertiser

Plans for Turtle Bay Resort remain uncertain

2010-03-07T14:08:00.001-10:00

It has new owners, but any future development awaits Supreme Court

Turtle Bay Resort officially came under new ownership when lenders took title to the property last week, but the change will do little to create more certainty for the future of the 858-acre resort on Oahu’s North Shore.

The big question hanging over the property is whether the consortium of lenders that took back the property from Oaktree Capital Management in lieu of foreclosure will carry through on a 24-year-old development plan to build thousands of additional hotel and condominiums units.

More at Pacific Business News

Oahu’s Turtle Bay Resort has new owners

2010-02-24T07:27:00.002-10:00

The Turtle Bay Resort on Oahu’s North Shore is officially under new ownership.

A consortium of international investment management firms took back the property from Oaktree Capital Management in a deed in lieu of foreclosure transaction that closed on Tuesday.

The 858-acre resort includes a 443-room hotel, two golf courses and a spa.

The consortium, which has managed the resort for nearly two years, already has spent $6 million to upgrade its infrastructure and hotel, including expanding Kuilima Drive from two to four lanes and upgrading the well, according to developer Stanford Carr, the resort’s interim property manager...

There are no immediate plans to build any additional hotels or condominiums at the resort.

More at Pacific Business News

Talk Story 2

2009-12-02T11:59:00.002-10:00

Tuesday, December 8, 2009 at Kahuku High School Cafeteria hosted by Defend Oahu Coalition!

This is the second in a series of Community Forums regarding the future of Turtle Bay, the purpose of which is to update the community about progress made since Governor Lingle announced her initiative to preserve the undeveloped portions of the property at Turtle Bay Resort.

• Despite overwhelming community opposition, the City’s Department of Planning and Permitting is reportedly very close to issuing final subdivision permits to the developer at Turtle Bay which will allow him to move ahead with the outdated plan for five additional hotels and one thousand more resort condominiums.

• The State Supreme Court is set to hear Oral Arguments (December 17th) regarding the Keep the North Shore Country case asking for a Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement.

• The resort property is formally changing owners this month, who are reportedly working on a new business model for the resort.

This is a crucial time to get updated about the current situation in the Country and a critical time to get involved. Efforts aimed at building on plans for preservation as well as sustainable land use enforcement at City and State levels (regarding the expansion plan being proposed at the resort) will also be addressed. Notable speakers invited to attend include: Governor Lingle, Representatives Abercrombie and Hirono, Mayor Hannemann, Turtle Bay Advisory Working Group Chair Bill Paty, Senator Clayton Hee, Councilmember Donovan Dela Cruz and Interim Developer for Kuilima Resort Company Stanford Carr.

98 acres of Hawaii's North Shore is headed for a sealed-bid sale

2009-11-30T07:09:00.000-10:00

Nearly 100 acres of agricultural land next to the Turtle Bay Resort on O'ahu's North Shore are headed for a sealed-bid sale, four years after a Florida-based investment firm bought the oceanfront property for $2 million with plans to subdivide it for potential residential use.

The property on Marconi Road includes an old home and a commercial building that once housed Hawai'i's first wireless telegraph station, established in 1901 under a contract with a company set up by the Italian inventor of the technology, Guglielmo Marconi.

More at the Honolulu Advertiser

Hawaii Supreme Court takes Turtle Bay case

2009-10-17T07:51:00.001-10:00

The Hawaii Supreme Court has agreed to take up the issue of whether Kuilima Development should be required to do an updated environmental study for its planned expansion of Turtle Bay Resort.

The court announced Thursday that it will hear oral arguments in the case Nov. 19. The Supreme Court will review a 2-1 decision by the Hawaii Intermediate Court of Appeals that denied a request for an updated review of the project's impact on the environment.

The question is whether the project's 24-year-old environmental impact statement is still valid.

More at the Honolulu Advertiser

Turtle Bay Resort names new manager

2009-06-04T19:47:00.001-10:00

Turtle Bay Resort has a new manager.

Bob Boyle, Benchmark Hospitality International vice president and general manager at Turtle Bay, announced Wednesday that Tom Cross has been appointed resort manager.

More at Pacific Business News

State still wants to acquire Turtle Bay

2009-01-12T07:27:00.001-10:00

The Lingle administration has made two unsuccessful offers to buy Turtle Bay Resort but remains willing to negotiate with brokers representing the scenic North Shore property.

The state has sought to acquire the resort land and sell off the hotel, golf courses and other businesses while preserving open space from Kahuku Point to Kawela Bay.

More at the Honolulu Advertiser

Turtle Bay plan gets another extension from the city

2008-09-29T08:08:00.001-10:00

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

2008-07-12T08:15:00.001-10:00

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

2008-07-12T08:14:00.001-10:00

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

2008-07-12T07:02:00.001-10:00

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

2008-07-12T07:00:00.000-10:00

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

2008-06-05T07:39:00.001-10:00

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.
Advertisement

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

2008-06-01T08:20:00.000-10:00

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

2008-05-23T15:13:00.001-10:00

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

2008-05-02T10:30:00.001-10:00

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

2008-04-27T17:38:00.000-10:00

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

2008-04-25T17:37:00.001-10:00

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

2008-04-23T16:19:00.000-10:00

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

2008-04-23T16:17:00.001-10:00

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

2008-04-20T08:28:00.000-10:00

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

2008-04-10T13:26:00.001-10:00

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

2008-04-05T17:15:00.001-10:00

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

2008-04-03T07:15:00.000-10:00

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

2008-03-28T04:42:00.001-10:00

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

2008-03-17T08:02:00.001-10:00

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

2008-03-12T10:19:00.002-10:00

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

2008-03-11T08:46:00.000-10:00

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

2008-03-11T08:38:00.001-10:00

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

2008-03-05T07:16:00.002-10:00

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

2008-03-02T22:28:00.000-10:00

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

2008-03-01T07:50:00.003-10:00

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

2008-02-27T13:48:00.002-10:00

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

2008-02-14T08:48:00.002-10:00

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

2008-02-14T08:44:00.003-10:00

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

2008-02-11T11:05:00.000-10:00

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

2008-02-11T11:04:00.000-10:00

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

2008-01-29T09:59:00.000-10:00

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

2008-01-29T09:57:00.000-10:00

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

2008-01-22T15:11:00.000-10:00

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

2008-01-14T10:33:00.001-10:00

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

Hawaii resort owner defaults on $283M loan

2007-12-21T18:53:00.000-10:00

Financial difficulties deepened yesterday for the owner of the Turtle Bay Resort, which is planning to build five new hotels on O'ahu's North Shore.

More at Honolulu Advertiser
More reporting at Pacific Business News

Comments have ranged, but the majority sees this as the next step in Oaktree's departure from the North Shore resort. With financial woes hitting them as early as June of this year, it looks that the expansion plans are far more less likely to happen unless parent company Oaktree infuses some of their reported $55 billion in this struggling resort.

The vulture fund company may be trying tactics to reduce the underestimated resistance, but the PR battle has little chance of being repaired.

City gives more time to plan Hawaii resort

2007-10-17T10:11:00.000-10:00

The city has given Kuilima Resort Co. six more months to meet requirements that will set the stage for a major expansion at Turtle Bay Resort.

Read the whole story at the Honolulu Advertiser

On-Air Panel Discussion concerning Turtle Bay Resort

2007-10-12T21:22:00.000-10:00

Defend Oahu Coalition board members Mark Cunningham and Choon James will be guests on Hawaii Public Radio (KHPR 88.1 FM) next Wednesday, October 17, 2007 from 5:00 to 6:00 pm. The discussion will focus on the proposed Turtle Bay Resort expansion announced by parent company Oaktree Capital Management.

EIS also needed for developments

2007-08-31T16:01:00.000-10:00

The conclusion of the Supreme Court that the Hawaii Superferry must conduct an environmental assessment seems obvious but deserves applause from anyone out there who cares about maintaining the quality of life that we knew when we were growing up here.

So let me get this straight; hundreds of vehicles arriving from Oahu to Kauai should warrant an environmental impact statement. But thousands of cars and people and a massive development of prime ag/conservation land at Kawela Bay-Kahuku on Oahu should not. Makes perfect sense to me!

And they want us to conserve water by shortening our showers and starving our plants, yet the Hawaii Visitors Bureau is constantly trying to increase our visitor count.

Maybe the Hawaiian people are finally realizing that our resources are running out and we can't rely on the government to embrace what many of us hold dear. And maybe the government should realize that we are through putting up with its lack of leadership.

Toby Morris
Kailua

Defend Oahu Coalition calling for support at public hearing

2007-08-20T16:31:00.000-10:00

DOC is encouraging residents to voice their concerns and opinions at the 2007 review of Ko'olauloa Sustainable Community Plan. The public hearing will be on Thursday, August 30, 2007 at 7:00 pm in the Laie Elementary School Cafeteria.

The organization is asking community members to keep in mind issues relating to the proposed Turtle Bay Resort expansion. In 1999, the City and County of Honolulu approved the Ko'olauloa Sustainable Community Plan that included the 1986 proposed expansion of Turtle Bay Resort. Eight years later, Defend Oahu Coalition is asking: Is a community plan that includes the proposed expansion of Turtle Bay Resort really “sustainable”?

L.A. Hedge Fund Facing Opposition on Hawaiian Plans

2007-08-04T06:44:00.000-10:00

San Diego Business Journal

By SARAH FILUS - 7/23/2007
Los Angeles Business Journal Staff

Six years after gaining full ownership of Turtle Bay Resort in Hawaii, one of the only oceanfront getaways on Oahu's quiet North Shore, Oaktree Capital finds itself involved in a growing controversy over its plans to further develop the property.

The L.A.-based vulture hedge fund announced last year it planned to expand the 443-unit resort and was looking for either a financial partner or a buyer for the entire 880-acre site.

Hilton Hospitality Inc., Beny Alagem's Alagem Capital and Michael Dell's MSD Capital all were said to be interested in the site, but the announcement also caused a public outcry, protests and lawsuits that may have chilled any deal.

More recently, Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide Inc., the owner of the Sheraton and Westin brands and a major developer of time shares, fell out of active negotiations for a purchase or partnership, though Hawaiian media reports indicate the company has not completely scuttled a deal.

"When all the press coverage and uproar sprang up from the local community about the expansion, that became one of the major reasons that investment firms who looked at it didn't want to pursue it," said Mike Hamasu, the consulting and research director for Colliers Monroe Friedlander Inc. in Honolulu. "There is an extreme sensitivity to development in Hawaii, especially along the North Shore."

Oaktree, through its subsidiary Kuilima Resort Co., wants to add about 3,500 hotel and condominium units to the property it acquired full control of in 2001. It has already spent $60 million to renovate the existing hotel and to add a condominium complex called Ocean Villa. In 1998, it had teamed with developer Bill Mills to gain an interest in the resort.

The resort, originally developed by Prudential Insurance Co. and Del Webb Corp., has expansion entitlements from the city of Honolulu that date back to 1986 but were never pursued. Since that time, though, opposition has grown to further construction of the largely undeveloped North Shore.

Keep the North Shore Country, a group opposed to the resort's planned expansion, sued for an environmental impact report. The group also alleges the development will disturb ancient Hawaiian burial grounds. The suit was thrown out once and last month it was appealed, with a decision still pending.

"(Honolulu) allowed the developer to expand as if nothing has changed since 1986," said Gil Riviere of Keep the North Shore Country. "Our position is that everything has changed. Even the impact of those 4,000 units is greater now and they should be studied."

New York-based real estate investment banking firm, Eastdil Secured LLC is helping to market the property.

Oaktree representatives declined to comment.

Fund closure
Turtle Bay is not Oaktree's first venture in Hawaii. During the 1990s recession, Oaktree purchased a number of high-end properties on Hawaii.

The North Shore controversy comes as Oaktree is looking to divest the resort and close the investment fund that owns the property. The OCM Real Estate Opportunity Fund was set to expire last year, according to a story by Pacific Business News.

However, Lloyd Greif, chief executive of L.A.-based investment banking firm, Greif & Co., said it is not unusual for companies to get fund extensions if they still have holdings they would like to sell off.

Typically, investment funds such as OCM Real Estate Opportunity Fund have 10-year life spans, he said. The money raised by institutional investors is usually spent acquiring assets during the first three to four years of the fund's life. From years four and on, the holdings are divested and money is distributed to the investors.

"Oaktree has very savvy investors. It makes perfect sense to sell," said Greif. "A few years ago, people were still trying to figure out what life was going to be like after 9/11. Now, there is a lot of money out there and people are spending it on themselves. They want to go to exotic places and Hawaii is an exotic place. I expect that Oaktree will come out smelling like a rose."

Defend Oahu Coalition to join mayor in clean up of North Shore

2007-08-04T06:41:00.000-10:00

Honolulu Mayor Hannemann and his Cabinet will be on the North Shore of Oahu cleaning up beach parks this Saturday, August 4, starting at 7:45 a.m. DOC members are asked to join him wearing your green Keep the Country Country t-shirts to remind the Mayor of our commitment to Keep the Country Country!

Volunteers will meet at 7:45 a.m. at Hale'iwa Ali'i Beach Park, on the Mokule'ia side of the Hale'iwa Boat Harbor. Volunteers plan to work through the morning at Hale'iwa Ali'i Beach Park and Kaiaka Beach Park. At midday the mayor and his Cabinet will be available to talk story and have lunch at the park. Parks scheduled to receive attention that morning include Hale'iwa Ali'i Beach Park and Kaiaka Beach Park.

Anyone interested in helping should report to the Mayor's aloha tent at Hale'iwa Ali'i Beach Park before 8a.m. Saturday.

Remember to wear your green Keep the Country Country T-shirt!

Proposed tax worries owner of Turtle Bay

2007-08-02T07:36:00.000-10:00

By Dennis Camire
Gannett News Service

WASHINGTON — A top official of Oaktree Capital Management, owner of Turtle Bay Resort on O'ahu's North Shore, says he is concerned proposed tax increases on managers of private equity and hedge funds would encourage them to keep their operations shielded from public scrutiny.

Read more at Honolulu Advertiser

North Shore project will strain resources

2007-07-20T13:51:00.000-10:00

Watching the Live Earth concerts recently, I was reminded of our interconnectedness. Each of us has an impact on the global climate crisis.

O'ahu is saturated with cars. The proposed Turtle Bay expansion will not only strain roads beyond their limits, but will add to Hawai'i's contribution to the climate crisis by placing further demands on water, electricity and waste disposal resources. How much more can O'ahu take?

Just as importantly, a development such as this will cause the loss of one of the most pristine, undeveloped and beautiful places in the world. Once it is lost, it will be lost forever. The coastline between Turtle Bay and Kahuku Point is equal in beauty to Ka'ena and Ka'iwi.

I recently answered a telephone survey for Hawai'i 2050, created by the Legislature to "establish a mechanism to ensure that our unique islands and way of life are maintained and sustained for current and future generations to enjoy."

While this is a noble effort, in reality there is no 2050. There is only the present, and the time to create a sustainable environment is now.

Building 3,500 more resort units on the North Shore would be an act of destruction, the exact opposite of sustainability.
Michael Zucker
Palolo

Defend Oahu Coalition comments on Kuilima Resort proposals

2007-07-18T21:51:00.000-10:00

DOC member and long-time North Shore resident, Choon James said, "Oaktree keeps saying their massive development will provide needed jobs for North Shore residents. This is pure corporate spin because Turtle Bay has perennially been unable to fill all its existing job vacancies. Another five hotels and more gated condos and timeshares for the rich would require importing workers from elsewhere. This will inevitably trigger the "multiplier effect" on our communities. Where would these additional workers live? Could the hundreds of additional workers make the long daily commute from other parts of Oahu on our already-crowded narrow two-lane roads? Currently, most upper-level Turtle Bay Hotel management jobs are held by out-of-state personnel, including from England." James further noted, "This battle between David -- local residents -- against the Goliath of rich developers regularly plays out all over our islands. Locals do not want to see these islands turned into a playground for the rich. Our elder statesman, Governor George Ariyoshi eloquently warned that we must plan and not skip from one project to another. Otherwise, we will incrementally lose what we hold dear and precious about Hawai`i." James also echoed the need for Oaktree's local management to exercise needed corporate conscience and begin a meaningful dialog with the community. "If ever there was a time for an international corporation to talk story and for Hawaii's elected and appointed County and State officials and the large land-owning Hawai`i trusts to all come to the table to plan and protect what is left of Hawai`i, that time is now. Grassroots activism and growing frustration with our public officials caused by this latest round of run-a-way development escalate in the islands. If I were an elected official, I would take note of this growing public angst."

DOC member Mark Cunningham, a respected waterman and Kawela Bay resident said, "Many of our DOC members and supporters are veterans of previous battles to protect the North Shore from over-development: acquiring the Pupukea/Paumalu bluff, saving Waimea Valley, and defeating the Shark's Cove Mall development. But we're growing tired of having to continually fend off such unrealistic projects and are going to start demanding more accountability from our elected officials. People have property rights of course, but these large-scale development proposals that threaten the very identity of the North Shore should never be accepted and the community will continue to rally against them.

Members of the Defend Oahu Coalition have tried repeatedly without success to meet with Honolulu Mayor Mufi Hannemann and to get the Mayor's administration to require the developer to produce a supplemental environmental impact statement (EIS) for Turtle Bay's now 20+-year old permits. On May 19, 2006, the non-profit Keep The North Shore Country was joined by the Sierra Club, Hawai`i Chapter in a lawsuit asking that Kuilima Resort be required to perform a supplemental environmental impact statement. The lawsuit also seeks an injunction against further ground work or construction at the resort until a supplemental EIS is completed. This lawsuit was later consolidated with a similar suit brought by Unite Here Local 5, the hotel workers' union. When the Union settled their labor dispute with Oaktree, they agreed to drop their suit. On November 13, 2006, Judge Sabrina McKenna heard Motions for Summary Judgment and ruled in favor of Kuilima Resort Company. A Notice of Appeal was filed on January 8, 2007. Before the briefs were submitted, a technical error was noted in the court paperwork: the Union's case was still referenced as active, even though they had withdrawn. Additional paperwork was filed by the Union's attorney to clarify that they are no longer party to this lawsuit and when that was recorded, the clock began anew for filing an appeal. As of this date, the legal challenge is still very much alive and it would not be affected by any changes in ownership at Kuilima. DOC President Carol Philips said, "The standards have changed dramatically since the original EIS was conducted due to improved technology and measuring techniques. Considering the potential traffic impact alone, it's outrageous that the city would not want a supplemental EIS. Add to this the very real impact of the additional sewage and wastewater disposal on our ocean and reefs, the iwi issue, the lack of affordable housing and all the rest, it's disturbing that our elected and appointed officials don't use their power to require an updated EIS."

The Defend Oahu Coalition is not the only Oahu group fighting this latest round of rapacious over-development, seemingly being empowered by uncaring politicians and appointed officials. In fact, there are over a dozen small groups now organizing to grow the county-wide effort to prevent inappropriate over-development. Now meeting regularly, the as-yet-unnamed group is working to focus their common interests in order to more effectively challenge large corporate development interests and Oahu's elected and appointed officials who continue to sell out to them. During the second meeting of the group -- coincidentally also on Friday, July 13th -- in Honolulu, one native Hawaiian participant put it this way; "Why aren't our officials listening to us? Why are they ignoring the obvious and facilitating all of this inappropriate development to the detriment of our residents?" Carol Philips observed, "Now that's the real question."

Starwood decides not to join in Turtle Bay project

2007-07-13T21:22:00.000-10:00

Starwood Hotels and Resorts has pulled out of negotiations to develop up to five new hotels and time shares at the Turtle Bay Resort on the North Shore of Oahu.

The decision not to participate in the project with resort owner Kuilima Resort Co. was made by Starwood executives on Tuesday, according to several people familiar with the negotiations.

More at Pacific Business News, Honolulu Advertiser, KHNL

"The good news here is we're talking about a $350 million valuation of the property, which could mean a much smaller development than originally planned," Eric Gill, secretary and treasurer of Unite Here Local 5, the union that represents workers at Turtle Bay said.

Honolulu Star Bulletin

All can unite in campaign to save Hawaii

2007-07-13T21:19:00.000-10:00

By Kevan Blanche

Warm tropical waters, swaying palms, long stretches of fine sandy beach — it is the image of Hawai'i the world over — the source of its universal appeal, as well as the seed of its own demise. Like any of the world's true geographic gems, in modern times Hawai'i has always worked to strike a balance between man and nature — between development and preservation.

More at Honolulu Advertiser

‘Ilio’ulakalani Coalition calls for resignation

2007-07-03T11:55:00.000-10:00

‘Ilio’ulakalani Coalition, a statewide grassroots organization comprised of cultural practitioners who advocate for the perpetuation of our culture and the preservation of our sacred lands and the protection of our ‘iwi kupuna is calling for the immediate resignation of Mr. Henry Eng as Director of Permit & Planning for the City & County of Honolulu and a member of the Mayor’s Cabinet.

In a recent news article dated June 27, 2007, Mr. Eng was quoted as follows:
Eng said the issue of Hawaiian burial sites on the property likely would not affect the decision on the infrastructure permit. "If this (the burial site issue) needs to be addressed, it probably would get addressed later on," Eng said.

Mr. Eng’s remarks reflect blatant disrespect for all burial sites. No permit should be issued before the concern of the impact a development will have on a burial site is fully addressed. An infrastructure permit gives a green light for pile driving, grading and clearing of a site. It is usually at this point that burials are discovered and then declared inadvertent finds.

We demand a full archaeological survey of all sites before any permit is issued.
We demand that the impact of development on burial sites be addressed before issuing any kind of permit is approved.

The native Hawaiian community will not stand by and allow this kind of mentality to exist in the City and County of Honolulu’s administration or any other administration. As native Hawaiians we will not stand by and allow entities such as the Department of Permit & Planning to disregard the importance of our ‘iwi kupuna and favor development that is not right. As native Hawaiians we will do whatever is necessary to protect the ‘iwi kupuna from any kind of development that would infringe upon the sacredness of our culture.
Elected officials must be put on notice that this kind of behavior and mentality will not be tolerated or accepted by native Hawaiians. The time has come for all native Hawaiians to speak out and not allow individuals like Mr. Eng to be in positions of authority and have no regard for the host culture of these islands.

A press conference has been scheduled at Honolulu Hale on Thursday, July 5th at 10:00am. We invite everyone to attend the press conference and stand in solidarity for the resignation of Mr. Eng.

Fourth of July Rally to Keep the Country COUNTRY!

2007-07-03T11:50:00.000-10:00

Defend Oahu Coalition wants YOU for a Fourth of July Rally to Keep the Country COUNTRY!

Wednesday, July 4, 2007
4:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.

Practice your right to free speech with a good old-fashioned Sign Waving by Land and by Sea to protest the Turtle Bay/Oaktree hotel expansion plan!

Kamehameha Highway - in front of Turtle Bay Resort
or
Ocean Side of the resort – on your boat, outrigger, surfboard, paddleboard, jet ski or stand up board!

Church pressures Oaktree

2007-07-03T11:43:00.000-10:00

The owner of Turtle Bay also manages funds for the United Methodist Church

By Kristen Consillio
kconsillio@starbulletin.com

The pension and benefits arm of the United Methodist Church is pressuring the owner of Turtle Bay Resort to resolve its dispute with opponents of the resort's planned expansion.

Owner Oaktree Capital Management LP, which manages some of the $15 billion in assets of the General Board of Pension and Health Benefits of the United Methodist Church, has come under fire after Hawaii parishioners voiced concerns about whether the company is adhering to the church's strict social principles that deal with fairness, equity and the environment.

More at Honolulu Star Bulletin

No more toleration for Oahu's urban blight

2007-06-30T11:31:00.000-10:00

Funny how life works. Here we have O'ahu bending, some would say breaking, with unchecked development, the subsequent overpopulation and an almost unperceivable urban blueprint.

Too shortsighted to plan for future generations, we continue the mass degradation of O'ahu, complete with an eroding quality of life.

Lo and behold, who should rise up and save us from ourselves? The ancients, whose bones and spirits will no longer tolerate the blight of rampant development on the lands they once wandered.
Pat Kelly
Honolulu

Starwood courting resort on Oahu

2007-06-27T19:41:00.001-10:00

Starwood Hotels & Resorts is negotiating to purchase or partner in the expansion of the Turtle Bay Resort, which could include up to five new hotels.

Oaktree Capital Management, owner of Kuilima Resort Co., which includes Turtle Bay Resort, is negotiating with Starwood, Kuilima spokesman Nathan Hokama said yesterday.

More at Honolulu Advertiser

Don't let resorts take over the island

2007-06-26T07:58:00.000-10:00

I'm a student from Germany who had the great opportunity to spend half a year in Hawaii during a six-month internship.

You are living in paradise and you should definitely not only think twice but a couple of times before you give permission to or plan to build a resort on one of the most beautiful stretches of coast, along Oahu's North Shore.

One thing that makes Hawaii still special is the fact that it hasn't seen too much development compared to other tourist regions in the world. You should keep it that way.

On the island of Lanzarote, Spain, for example, they have a law that you can't build hotels, resorts and the like higher than a palm tree. The island benefits because they don't have these huge hotel complexes standing in everybody's way and making the landscape ugly.

Please reflect on this and also think about your kids who will not have the opportunity to enjoy this beautiful place like you and we have.

Holger Stripf
Munich, Germany

Turtle Bay - It's absurd to allow old plan to be in force

2007-06-26T07:53:00.000-10:00

Bob Nakata's June 19 commentary listing all the good reasons for the city to deny building permits to Oaktree Capital Management LLC should be read out loud to our City Council and Mayor Mufi Hannemann.

It is absurd to allow Oaktree, or anyone else, to build anything with a 20-year-old agreement.

Anyone who has come to the North Shore during the last 20 years has noticed it can now take up to two hours to get from Hale'iwa to Sunset Beach.

There is also a huge housing shortage and shops and restaurants have a hard time finding workers. And our ocean is full of sediment from developments that is killing our coral reefs and fish.

Whatever legal reasons the Circuit Court judge had for allowing a 20-year-old agreement to stand without another environmental impact statement does not mean that the city has to ignore the obvious changes on the North Shore in the last 20 years.

The short-term benefits that any politicians, or a handful of North Shore residents, might have for supporting Oaktree's expansion are far outweighed by the problems that this project will bring to our state.
Lorenn Walker
Waialua

Oahu can't support Turtle Bay expansion

2007-06-21T11:19:00.000-10:00

By Bob Nakata

The proposed massive expansion of the Turtle Bay Resort by Oaktree Capital Management LLC, and its subsidiary, Kuilima Resort Co., threatens to turn O'ahu into one continuous urban center. The huge impact it will have on traffic will make it impossible to feel like you are in the "country" anywhere on O'ahu.

More at the Honolulu Advertiser

Is Turtle Bay’s Expansion Good for the North Shore?

2007-05-22T16:18:00.000-10:00

Hawaii Business Magazine
Defend Oahu's Choon James counters Turtle Bay's Project Manager Ralph Makaiau on the merits of the proposed development.

Q: Is Turtle Bay’s Expansion Good for the North Shore?
RALPH MAKAIAU
project manager, Kuilima Resort Co.

A: Balanced, responsible development that takes into account the needs of the community was the intent of the Kahuku community that originally envisaged the Turtle Bay plan and has been embraced by Kuilima Resort Co. since its involvement in the project. Through lengthy collective effort and negotiations, the developer and community leaders each received what they wanted. The preservation of vast open spaces, easy access to beaches, shoreline setbacks that exceed the standard for developers to protect culturally sensitive areas, and height restrictions on new construction were among the stipulations in the Unilateral Agreement, a legally binding document that locked in the developer and community to keep their promises to each other. Creating another high-density Waikiki clearly was never part of the plan.
The agreement served as a model of collaboration for other developers. Now, once again, Kuilima has become a case study for Hawaii’s business community because of significant implications for all developers. Over the years, the Kahuku property has switched hands and the downswing of the local economy through the 1980s and ’90s halted development throughout the Islands. At a time when Hawaii’s economy is picking up and Kuilima is ready to move forward, new legislation and activist groups attempt to undermine the community’s entitlements. Unfortunately, as is often the case, a loud, vocal minority drowns out the silent majority in the community.
Despite Hawaii’s low unemployment rate, Koolauloa (Oahu’s Northeast Side) is in dire need of revitalization. We envision a vibrant, flourishing community without compromising the rural feel unique to the area. Kahuku Hospital faces financial challenges without support from businesses and the community to keep its doors open. A strong economic driver in the area is vitally necessary to prevent homelessness and other social ills. There is much more we can do for the community, and Kuilima has an important role to play in Koolauloa.

CHOON JAMES
Defend Oahu Coalition Boardmember

A: International investment groups like Oaktree Capital are exploiting Hawaii. Paradise is becoming a playground for the rich. These corporations profit millions of dollars at the expense of Hawaii’s people, culture and environment. Without protection, North Shore will become another ritzy resort a la Kaanapali, Maui. Local folks will eventually be priced out and pushed out. (The cheapest Turtle Bay Resort Ocean Villa condo is $1.5 million)
The Golden Rule – the one with the gold rules – buys top-gun consultants who quietly ramrod permitting processes and attorneys who insinuate lawsuits if they don’t get what they want, thereby paralyzing elected politicians from representing their constituents.
Five new hotels with an additional 3,500 units will inevitably trigger the “Multiplier Effect.” Oaktree dangles the carrot of 2,500 jobs. But, the present 487-unit hotel perennially has trouble filling employment vacancies. Needed imported labor will trigger more competition for housing, educational/social services, and aggravate already chronic traffic congestion. Oaktree touts 100 affordable homes. Twenty-five-hundred (imported) jobs and 100 homes? Do the math. What are the real community benefits?
When corporate investors reap their dividends and leave the Islands, all of Hawaii’s tax-payers will pay for the inevitable impacts – traffic woes, infrastructure improvement, rising property values, limited beach access, water/electricity resources, and an irretrievably vanished country lifestyle that kamaainas hold dear and precious.
Oaktree: We are your neighbors. We are hotel workers, unionists, kupunas, teachers, firemen, mothers, uncles, environmentalists, the everyman. You recycle certain hotel employees as your community support. But 76 percent of Hawaii residents are against building a new hotel.
Oaktree claims a new era of “openness.” Then why fight against updating the irrelevant 1985 Environmental Impact Statement for this resort expansion?
Oaktree: Live Aloha! No PR games, no smoke-and-mirror maneuverings. Let’s resurrect the defunct 1986 Unilateral Agreement’s Kuilima North Shore Strategy Planning Committee for a transparent public dialogue.

Report casts doubt on Turtle Bay's finances

2007-05-12T11:26:00.000-10:00

The owner of the Turtle Bay Resort on O'ahu's North Shore yesterday declined to comment on a published report that the company may not have enough cash to meet a loan payment due at the end of June.

The full story at the Honolulu Advertiser

Hotel Expansion - North Shore roads are already inadequate

2007-04-18T14:44:00.000-10:00

Fortunately, there were no injuries or lives lost from Saturday's rockslide at Waimea Bay.

However, combined with the continued erosion of this nearly century-old two-lane highway, its partial closures during high surf and the almost daily bumper-to-bumper traffic, it clearly demonstrates that the roads on the North Shore are inadequate to handle even the current traffic load.

Given this reality, Turtle Bay Resort's planned expansion defies common sense.
We need to seriously examine the wisdom of allowing this project to proceed unchecked, especially considering its impact on the North Shore.
Carol Philips

Honolulu Advertiser
Posted on: Friday, April 13, 2007

Activist-Actor Sean Penn Dances on Sacred Hawaiian Burial Grounds

2007-04-12T21:09:00.000-10:00

As the massive Turtle Bay Resort development project threatens to destroy what's left of rural Oahu, part time actor (I Am Sam, Fast Times at Ridgemont High)/full-time activist Sean Penn, his wife, Robin Wright Penn, and his two children have checked in to the resort for the holidays. But, while the Penn clan relaxes, Hawaiian natives are getting restless over the normally enlightened movie star's ignorance of their cause.

More at:
Hollywood, Interrupted
New York Post

Turning up the heat at Turtle Bay

2007-03-18T07:58:00.000-10:00

Wearing red shirts for solidarity and chanting as they marched, about 150 Native Hawaiians, North Shore residents and environmentalists made their way from the highway entrance of the Turtle Bay Resort to the ocean yesterday to protest a plan to build five more hotels along the rural coastline.

Full story at Honolulu Advertiser...
More reporting at:
KGMB News (Honolulu)
KITV News - The Hawaii Channel (Honolulu)
KHNL News (Honolulu)

A Letter From the Defend Oahu Coalition

2007-03-15T09:43:00.000-10:00

Here's a letter sent out to the public informing of upcoming pending hearings for the State House. Defend Oahu Coalition is asking the public to voice their opinion and support of SB 851:

SB 851 (SD1) will ensure that any future development in the Koolauloa District respects current cultural preservation rules and regulations. It also requires a new cultural assessment of the area. It will not effect existing buildings and structures. In fact, we believe that even though the wording has been changed in the latest amendment (SD1), it is still limited to the Turtle Bay Development since it is the only development that we know of in Koolauloa that got its permits before the changes in the law.

DOC believes that developers should respect Hawaii's host culture, and, given the communication between the owners/developers of the Turtle Bay Resort and the Department of Land and Natural Resources, the respectful and responsible thing to do is to follow DLNR's suggestion of a 750 foot setback for the Turtle Bay Resort expansion project. Such a setback would ensure the preservation of the sand dunes and other areas which are thought to have more Native Hawaiian burial sites.

http://www.defendoahucoalition.org/DLNR_letter_Oct_2006.pdf

NOTE: This bill does not prevent the Turtle Bay Resort expansion from going forward. It merely "strongly encourages" the developer to follow the suggestion of DLNR to set the project back and additional 100-150 feet from what their permits already require to keep the sand dunes and other areas that are suspected to have burial sites in tact, to follow the suggestions of the Oahu Burial Council, the Historic Preservation Division, and other agencies in the Department of Land and Natural Resources.

DOC does not support the Turtle Bay Resort expansion - especially given the fact that the permits are over twenty years old. Many changes have occurred over the last twenty years and we have a better understanding of environmental issues now than we did when the project was first approved.

While SB 851 (SD1) will not stop the project, DOC believes it is an important step in the right direction - requiring a new cultural assessment for the area and encouraging the developer to respect the iwi of the kupuna who lived here before us.

The bill needs to get a hearing in the House Water, Land Ocean Resources & Hawaiian Affairs as well as the Judiciary Committee and it needs to pass And, then it can be voted on by the entire House.

For more information on SB 851 (SD1) and why Defend Oahu supports it, go to: http://defendoahucoalition.org /index.php

Contact information for State House committee leaders:
Chair: Rep. Ken Ito 808-586-8470 repito@Capitol.hawaii.gov
Vice-Chair: Rep. Pono Chong 808-586-9490 repchong@Capitol.hawaii.gov
Committee Member Rep. Michael Y. Magaoay 808-586-6380 repmagaoay@Capitol.hawaii.gov

Oahu shoreline setback proposal could affect entire state

2007-03-12T16:03:00.000-10:00

A proposal to increase the shoreline setback to 750 feet for Oahu's entire windward North Shore has passed the Senate and could open debate about increasing shoreline setbacks for oceanfront property across Hawaii.

More at Pacific Business News (Paid subscription)

DOC Rally at Honolulu Hale/City Hall

2007-02-21T10:43:00.000-10:00

Defend Oahu Coalition has organized a rally to occur in front of Honolulu Hale/City Hall (530 South King Street) on Thursday February 22, 2007 starting from 9 am. They are calling upon the Mayor (Mufi Hanneman) to listen to the community and substantial opposition to the Turtle Bay Resort expansion plans. They are calling upon the Mayor to act.

The Turtle Bay Resort expansion plans were announced early last year among overwhelming opposition. Still, the parent company Oaktree Capital Management has pressed on with plans.
Oaktree is a $30 billion investment company. Oaktree's investment specialty is in markets where information for competitors is limited, sometimes known as "inefficient" markets. Such focus has been described by Business Week magazine as a vulture fund.

The Defend Oahu Coalition is a diverse group of community residents, environmentalists, activists and religious leaders all working together towards one goal: protecting communities on Oahu from the dangerous effects of large scale development. They believe that the beautiful North Shore is for all Oahu residents as well as visitors, and is committed to ensuring that it will continue to be a resource for generations to come.

Senate bill to be heard affecting Turtle Bay Resort expansion

2007-02-21T07:51:00.000-10:00

Hawaii State Senator Jill Tokuda has reported that the Committee on Water, Land, Agriculture, and Hawaiian Affairs will be hearing Senate Bill 851 (relating to the shoreline setback and cultural assessment for the TBR development site) at its meeting on Wednesday, February 21 at 2:45 p.m. in room 414 of the Hawaii State Capitol.

Testimony on behalf of residents, community organizations, and concerned citizens is welcomed. You can submit by:

1. email testimony@capitol.gov
2. dropping off testimony with the committee clerk, Room 407, State Capitol
3. faxing (up to 5 pages) to the Senate Sergeant-at-Arms Office at 586-6659 or 1-800-586-6659 (neighbor islands).

Testimony from visitors is also welcome! Tell our legislators why you come to O'ahu.

SB 851 "Requires a new historic and cultural assessment and a minimum shoreline setback of seven hundred fifty feet for any development makai of Kamehameha highway between Kawela stream and Marconi road in the Koolauloa district on Oahu."

Hawaii State Senator Russell Kokubu, chair of the Committee on Water, Land, Agriculture, and Hawaiian Affairs introduced SB 851.

Hawaii State Senators who represent the area of concern are:

Senator Russell S. Kokubun, Chair
Water, Land, Agriculture, and Hawaiian Affairs
Phone 808-586-6760; Fax 808-586-6689
E-mail senkokubun@Capitol.hawaii.gov

Senator Jill N. Tokuda, Vice Chair
Water, Land, Agriculture, and Hawaiian Affairs
Phone 808-587-7215; Fax 808-587-7220
E-mail sentokuda@Capitol.hawaii.gov

Senator Clayton Hee
Phone 808-586-7330; Fax 808-586-7334
E-mail senhee@Capitol.hawaii.gov

You can monitor the bill status here: SB 851

City Council to Vote on Permit Deadline Resolution

2007-01-23T12:02:00.000-10:00

Courtesy of Defend Oahu Coalition

Resolution 06-366, Requesting the Department of Planning and Permitting to establish appropriate deadlines for project commencement and completion as conditions in unilateral agreements relating to significant zone changes, will be voted on by the City Council this Wednesday, 1/24/06.

Now is the time to remind our City Council that open-ended development agreements must never again be approved. Please make your voice heard!

Written testimony can be faxed to 527-6910 and email testimony can be submitted at http://www.honolulu.gov/council/emailccl.htm
Persons wishing to testify in person are requested to register by 10 a.m. in the interest of time management as follows:
a. use the On‑Line City Council Speaker Registration form available at http://www.honolulu.gov/council/attnspkccl.htm;
b. send a fax to 527-6910 indicating your desire to register to speak, along with your name, phone number and subject matter;
c. fill out the registration form in person; or
d. call 523-4236.

Also, urge our city council to allow the public to have input on the impact of Turtle Bay ’s proposed 5 new hotels on the North Shore by holding hearings for Resolutions 06-173 and 06-075.

Resolution 06-173: Assigning to the Director of Planning and Permitting a Proposal to Amend Ordinance 86-99 (Re: Rezoning for Turtle Bay Resort Expansion Project) by Amending the Unilateral Agreement Incorporated Therein by Reference. Click here to check the status of this bill on the City Council Docushare.

Resolution 06-075: Urging the Department of Planning and Permitting to Enforce Strict Compliance with All Applicable Laws and Unilateral Agreement and Special Management Area Use Permit/Shoreline Setback Variance Conditions Prior to the Issuance of Any Permits and Approvals for the Turtle Bay Resort Expansion Project. Click here to check the status of this bill on the City Council Docushare.

Kuilima's Response on Burials is Arrogant

2007-01-09T19:11:00.000-10:00

Kuilima Corp. once again has shown its arrogance by defying a state official's suggestion to revise its massive development plans at Turtle Bay Resort and Kawela Bay.

Issues such as burials are precisely the reason a new environmental impact statement should be required of Kuilima.There have been too many changes on the North Shore since the 1980s when the original agreements were made.

Most tourists coming to the area do not want to spend vacation time in densely populated areas; that is why they seek the tranquility of the country. Development on the scale of Kuilima's plans would destroy that sense of place.

Kudos to State Historic Preservaton Division administrator Melanie Chinen for warning Kuilima about future obstacles.

If the warnings go unheeded, and Kuilima is forced to revise later when delays will cost millions of dollars or kill the project entirely, you will not see any tears from me.
Robert Thurston
Hale'iwa

State urges Turtle Bay resort to revise layout

2007-01-07T23:20:00.000-10:00

A key state official is warning the Turtle Bay Resort to drastically revise its plan to build up to five new hotels or it could face delays and other issues because of the strong chance that human remains will be found at the site.

A lawyer for the resort's owners, Kuilima Corp., responded that the project's financing could be jeopardized if the state doesn't back off.

More at Honolulu Advertiser

Survey: Hawaii is Run for Tourists

2006-12-08T08:16:00.000-10:00

Most residents feel that Hawaii is run for tourists at the expense of local people and 76 percent -- the highest number to date -- do not want any more hotels built on their islands, according to the 2006 resident sentiment survey released by the Hawaii Tourism Authority.

Fewer than half of Hawaii's residents feel that tourism makes the overall quality of life better for them and that it is primarily good for their families, although 51 percent -- compared to 36 percent last year -- agreed that the state needs more tourism jobs.
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The survey, which is conducted for HTA, the state's tourism marketing arm, also asked residents about their feelings toward other types of tourism growth including the following:
Fewer residents -- 52 percent compared to 79 percent in 2003 -- think that having more cruise ships stop at their home islands is good.

Significantly fewer residents feel that hotels converted into or added as time shares are good for the state.

Also showing significant decreases were residents who feel that more vacation homes in resort areas and outside resorts in agricultural subdivisions are good for Hawaii.

The survey, which polled 1,609 residents statewide, was conducted from September through November by Market Trends Pacific Inc. and John M. Knox & Associates Inc.

The survey's bottom line was that while Hawaii residents understand the economic benefits of tourism, 37 percent believe that local government and the industry have not done enough to balance such benefits with problems caused by rapid growth, according to Knox.

From Pacific Business News

Hotel rooms require North Shore hospital

2006-11-30T15:16:00.000-10:00

I'm sorry to hear of Kahuku Hospital's possible demise. I had two children there in the 1980s. One delivery required an emergency C-section (God bless Dr. Ben Branch). I might not have made it to another facility in time.

My story is only one among the thousands of people who needed medical attention immediately, not later with having to travel to Castle Medical Center or Wahiawa hospital. It's still only a two-lane road, one each way.

Everyone better think again about the possibility of five more hotels -- what's up with that? Come to Hawaii, but don't have an emergency on the North Shore, because it will take an hour to get to the hospital in an ambulance.

Momi Greene
Keahole-Kona, Hawaii

Kuilima CEO in the Advertiser's Hot Seat

2006-11-28T09:01:00.000-10:00

Nicola Jones, CEO of Kuilima Resort Company, was in the Honolulu Advertiser's Hot Seat yesterday. The Hot Seat is a live, online question and answer session in which the guest is invited to answer unscreened questions for an hour. Unfortunately, not all of the questions got answered, which caused one person to comment:

"Dosen't seem like you are answering many of the valid questions being raised by members of this community. Is this the hot seat or the hot plate? Seems that we are all being served a heaping helping of PR hogwash... "

A recap of the session will be printed in the Sunday paper. Click here to read the entire string of comments.

Health care essential to Kahuku community

2006-11-26T08:05:00.000-10:00

Having medical care is essential to the well-being and peace of mind for those of us who live in the Kahuku community. As employers with a total of 665 employees (85 percent of whom live here in the area) and 300,000 guests per year, access to healthcare is one of our top priorities.

Turtle Bay Resort and Kuilima Resort Co. have been working closely with those involved with the effort to save Kahuku Hospital and ensure continued emergency care in the community. It is a complex process and will take some time for us to determine the best steps forward. We, like many of the North Shore and Ko'olauloa community leaders and representatives, are extremely committed to finding a solution.

Unfortunately, in the opinion of some, this seems to have been reduced to a simple matter of healthcare versus resort development.

This couldn't be further from the truth; in reality, we are mutually dependent upon each other. Having adequate healthcare services for the community and the resort is essential, and building a strong economic driver helps to sustain healthcare services for our community.

All of the components to building a strong, flourishing community are important. At a critical time like this, we need everyone's kokua. We invite others to join with us to help find solutions for our community.

Nicola Jones, chief executive officer, Kuilima Resort Co.
Bob Boyle, managing director, Turtle Bay Resort

Turtle Bay CEO to answer some questions

2006-11-26T07:54:00.000-10:00

On Monday, Nov. 27 from 12 Noon - 1:00 p.m., Nicola Jones, the CEO of Kuilima Resort Company (the affiliate of Oaktree Capital Management which is planning the expansion of Turtle Bay) will be available live to answer your questions at the Honolulu Advertiser's "Hot Seat" Blog. We encourage everyone to ask questions and post comments regarding the hotel's proposed expansion:

http://blogs.honoluluadvertiser.com

Please, keep the country, country

2006-11-24T08:21:00.000-10:00

We the good people of the North Shore have a history of resisting — and stopping — large development.

Just in my lifetime, we have stopped the quarry, the hotel at Pua'ena Point, the Obayashi development in Pupukea, the mall at Sharks Cove and the condos in Waimea Valley. We love where we live for a reason — it is the country.

Today the good people of the North Shore are resisting, but not stopping, the Turtle Bay development. Why?

What hold does Oaktree have over our elected representatives? Why are 20-year-old Environmental Impact Statements valid "with prejudice?" Why does it move forward against the people's will?
Garrett McNulty
Waialua

New hotels will only add to bad situation

2006-11-24T08:20:00.000-10:00

I am utterly amazed at Circuit Judge Sabrina McKenna's decision that Kuilima Resort Co. does not have to do a new Environmental Impact Statement on the planned expansion of hotels on the North Shore of O'ahu. I have lived on the North Shore for 36 years and the traffic has become an enormous problem.

I invite McKenna, the City Council, mayor and anyone in a position of power to drive to the North Shore and experience the weekend traffic snarl from Hale'iwa to Turtle Bay. (Weekdays aren't much better.) Nowadays, there doesn't have to be a surf meet or a holiday to cause congestion. It is an everyday occurrence. Obviously, 3,500 more hotel rooms will increase the headaches. It will be intolerable.

We need to remember to respect the land and our residents and visitors as well.
Jan Olson
Hale'iwa

Country better than chaos in North Shore

2006-11-24T08:19:00.000-10:00

The idea to expand Turtle Bay onto Kawela Bay and extend toward Kahuku is one of the worst ideas I've ever heard. The claim is that there will be more jobs available to residents and more business for store owners. But who are they really trying to please here?

Building more hotels will not only cause even more traffic and congestion, but it will mark the end of the North Shore, as we know it. The country will no longer live up to its name. The locals will no longer be locals, but rather outsiders who can afford higher rents.

All I am asking is to keep the North Shore true to its roots — a beautiful, laid back, humble stretch of coastline free of the everyday chaos caused by big buildings and thousands of people.

The citizens of Hawai'i are more important than the interests of far-off companies; most North Shore residents would much rather drive to town for work than to allow the building of these hotels and see the disappearance of one of the last places of genuine local life.
Rebecca Fonoimoana
Hale'iwa

Hawaii firm tapped for Turtle Bay Resort Expansion web PR

2006-11-21T14:50:00.000-10:00

As mentioned in a post a few days ago, the Turtle Bay Resort Expansion has a teaser site for their PR. It's unknown if this is for investors or for an upcoming foray into smoothing relations and informing the public.

However, in checking the status of the site www.kuilimainfo.com, I found it to be deactivated. It was registered Oct 19, 2006. It seems that the resort is not quite able or willing to share their plans with the public. Investigating it further, I found that local web development company - Firefly, based in Honolulu, is the registrar.

Hospital closure: Crazy

2006-11-21T11:35:00.000-10:00

To close the one and only hospital that serves the entire North Shore of O'ahu and much of the Windward coast is absurd. It's also foolish, dangerous and, if stupid is different than absurd, then it's stupid as well.

To build several new hotels and condos on the North Shore, an area that can ill afford any increase in traffic, is moronic and just seems to have the unmistakable stench of greed. To do both is simply beyond words!

Have the powers that be totally lost their minds and sense of perspective?
Wayne Pearce
Hale'iwa

Big Resort, No Hospital: Where's Our Priority?

2006-11-17T07:53:00.000-10:00

I am truly amazed how misplaced our priorities are. We may end up with a large resort-type development taking place on the North Shore near Turtle Bay, yet we are losing the only hospital on the North Shore.

The idea of building more, increasing the population and then taking away a basic service such as a nearby hospital just doesn't make sense!

How is it that there is support to develop the North Shore, but no money to keep emergency medical services close by?

If this development is allowed to proceed (against the many wishes of the North shore community) I would hope that Kuilima Resort Co. could find a way to financially assist Kahuku Hospital.
Dee Montgomery-Brock
Mililani

Kuilima has bridges to build with residents

2006-11-16T09:05:00.000-10:00

From this morning's Advertiser Editorial page:

It's never been an easy proposition to win over the hearts and minds of Turtle Bay resort opponents, whose disappointment with this week's court decision has made the chasm even wider.

It would be one thing if the foes were ready to throw in the towel and try to reach some accommodation with Kuilima Resort Co., developers of the planned expansion.

But they're not. Representatives of Keep the Country Country and the Sierra Club Hawai'i chapter have announced their intent to appeal Monday's decision by Circuit Judge Sabrina McKenna. Their legal challenge contends that the environmental impact statement prepared 20 years ago — when the unilateral agreement between the city and the developers on the project was inked — needs an update and public input.

Read the rest.

An Appeal is Likely

2006-11-15T12:36:00.000-10:00

Keep the North Shore Country released a statement indicating that an appeal of Judge McKenna's ruling is likely. Here is part of that statement:

KNSC, the Sierra Club, and many on O`ahu are disappointed with the ruling of the Court. It appears that the Court failed to take into account many of the community’s arguments regarding the need for a public review process where the passage of so much time leads to new and different impacts requiring consideration and evaluation. Because the Court’s ruling sets a precedent that locks the public out of the planning process when new significant impacts are unconsidered, KNSC and the Sierra Club are carefully considering their options for appeal.

Read the whole thing.

DOC is Disappointed but the fight goes on!

2006-11-14T14:53:00.000-10:00

From the Defend Oahu Coalition newsletter

You may have heard that the judge ruled against the Keep the North Shore Country in the lawsuit calling for a supplemental EIS for the Turtle Bay Expansion.

We are very disappointed, there are still many issues to address and we will continue our vigorous opposition to Oaktree’s proposed expansion!

We call on all concerned community members to join us on November 18th at 4:00 p.m. at Kahuku High School or Pupukea Rec Center. (two meetings going on at two places at the same time - chose the location most convenient to you! ) Come join a committee and help us win the fight:

http://defendoahucoalition.org/calendar.php

Hum along and 'Keep the Country Country'

2006-11-14T14:41:00.000-10:00

Hum Steve Miller's "Going to the Country" and sing:

People on the island know where to go,
Up to the country where life is real slow,
We like green space with some elbow room,
But now the natural coast may soon be doomed

Chorus: Hey ho, no more condos, save some green space for our keiki to know

Hey ho, do what's right, keep the country country is everyone's fight

From Kawela to Kahuku and down past Laie,
Condo commandos are stalking on their prey
They'll give us some parks at a few select spots
Where they'll pave paradise and put up parking lots

(Chorus)

Developer folks got one thing on their mind
That's make a lot of money and leave the islands behind
But then the kamaaina are stuck forever more
With condo-fed traffic jams and tourist shops galore

Pat Caldwell
Kailua

Judge throws out Turtle Bay challenge

2006-11-13T15:26:00.000-10:00

A Circuit Court judge on Monday dismissed a lawsuit against Kuilima Resort Co. that would have required the developer to conduct a supplemental environmental impact statement to expand on the 880-acre Turtle Bay resort on the North Shore of Oahu.

More at Pacific Business News

The North Shore is a very different place

2006-11-02T11:18:00.000-10:00

By guest contributor Joni Shiraishi

The North Shore is a very different place than it was a few years back. The Haleiwa bypass road has brought with it a huge increase in North Shore visitors. Traffic lights have been added at the end of the bypass and by Pupukea Foodland. Where no lights were necessary in the fairly recent past, it is now difficult to cross the road during many hours of the day. Promotion of Laniakea's turtle population causes frequent traffic jams along Kam Highway. New toilet facilities at Sunset Beach have made that a major North Shore relief station for the passengers of an endless stream of tour busses. A little Ala Wai Canal has formed on the low land on the Mauka side of the parking lot. The movie industry is now fanatically promoting Hawaii where large corporate landowners are trying to unload vast acreage that was once zoned for agriculture. Worldwide promotions are bringing hordes of people to Hawaii's delicate ecology.

During last years flooding, the Ala Wai Canal had huge quantities of raw sewage dumped into it. The rains also caused countless sewage spills from overflowing cesspools throughout the island. This was not only repulsive, it created a very dangerous health hazard, islandwide. The effects on public health were not clear because they took many forms, as they do in third world countries where refuse, sewage and poor health are rampant.At a recent North Shore meeting in which representatives of Turtle Bay promoted their development plans to the public, they discussed their planned "wastewater management".

There are no sewage treatment facilities on the North Shore and inadequate cesspools are all that keeps the growing sewage in check. According to the Turtle Bay plans "wastewater" (sewage) is to be pumped uphill into reservoirs above the new developments. The "wastewater" will require electric pumps to keep the system operational. Most wastewater" systems use gravity to their advantage. Otherwise they are subject to the mechanical and electrical whims of the pumping system. Sunday's earthquake and subsequent power outage caused sewage to be spilled into Lake Wilson, Kailua and Sand Island facilities. Because they use gravity to their advantage they only spilled several hundred thousand gallons of sewage.

The Turtle Bay development plans will initially allow roughly half of the units to be designated condominiums. These residents will seek all the advantages of modern suburbia. They'll want nearby Costcos, Walmarts, McDonalds, 7-elevens, car dealerships, etc., etc. and they will dramatically change the face of what we once called "Country". Surfing was once the main focus of the North Shore. Now it appears to be Real Estate speculation. I guess there are no serious North Shore surfers running for public office, are there? At least if such candidates existed, there might still be a glimmer of hope for the North Shore's real value.

North Shore surfing spots are unique and fragile ecosystems in which value is inversely proportionate to population. Crowds curtail movements that are necessary for surfing's all important positioning. They make already dangerous surfing conditions ridiculously dangerous. More clueless people mean many more problems. Promotions have become a major detriment to the sport and art of surfing on the North Shore. Surfing is what has made this location desireable and unique. Ruin that and this becomes just another overcrowded Honolulu suburb.

Community must demand open discussion on project

2006-11-01T20:32:00.000-10:00

Your recent article on the expansion of the Turtle Bay Resort (Oct. 13) suggests that the Kahuku community is divided on the issue, when it is clear the only support for the project is coming from a handful of individuals — most of whom were personally involved with the agreement 20 years ago.

The board of the Kahuku Community Association voted to endorse this plan without prior community discussion. Several members of the board are employed by either Turtle Bay or Kuilima Resort Co., and there is no indication these board members recused themselves from deliberations or the vote.

There has been overwhelming community demand for input at every Kahuku Community Association meeting since the board endorsed the development, but the board has refused to put the item on the agenda.

As a small business owner, homeowner and community member, I am disheartened that my community board members and elected city officials are turning a deaf ear to our concerns, and are ignoring the pleas of the community to allow open discussion on this issue.

I understand that 20 years ago the prevailing concern was for jobs for the workers of the recently closed sugar mill. But, that is not the Kahuku of today. My Kahuku neighbors are worried about traffic, affordability and availability of housing, the destruction of our countryside and loss of the local feel of this area.

Before it's too late, we need to push our officials to get involved and take the steps necessary to ensure that any development abide by standing requirements to protect the environment and preserve our natural resources.

Can we afford to lose the North Shore? Ask your friends and neighbors whether they would rather have preservation of the North Shore, its beaches and landscape, or a tidy profit for Mainland developers.

Does our entire island have to be for sale to the highest bidder?
Virginia Abshier, MD
Kahuku

City officials must stop outdated plan

2006-10-30T11:05:00.000-10:00

The time has come for the mayor and City Council to acknowledge that 20 years ago the council blundered. A compromise with the developer should be sought. Single-family homes, rather than hotels and condos, would reduce the impact of developing this property.

It is the duty of our elected officials to listen to the voters, make appropriate decisions and defend, or modify their decisions as circumstances change. The developer's job is to maximize return for their investors, so a change in plan could lead to the city paying damages in a lawsuit. However, permanent damage to our marine resources and traffic gridlock requiring new roads and bridges would cost far more.

The existing hotel's seaward expansion shows no concern for the ocean environment and no respect for the beachgoing public. This new construction, so close to the ocean, shows what will happen to the rest of this coastline unless the mayor and council act.
Sally Youngblood
Hale'iwa

Court Asked to Rule in Favor of KNSC and Sierra Club

2006-10-27T12:07:00.000-10:00

Keep the North Shore Country (KNSC) and Sierra Club, Hawaii Chapter (Sierra Club), have filed a Motion for Summary Judgment, requesting the Court forego a trial and require the Department of Planning and Permitting (DPP) to order a Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement (SEIS) regarding the Kuilima Resort Company’s (KRC) plans for expansion.

The motion sets forth how circumstances have changed over 21 years, as well as the environmental impacts not previously studied in the original EIS. It also includes expert testimony in support of the very obvious conclusion that an SEIS should be required. Indeed, this is the classic case in which such a study is necessary.

On May 19, 2006, KNSC, a local grassroots organization, sued the City and County of Honolulu, Director of Planning and Permitting Henry Eng, and Kuilima Resort Company to require an SEIS for KRC’s Expansion Project at Kawela Bay and Turtle Bay Resort. On June 7, 2006, the Sierra Club formally joined the legal action.

KNSC recently expanded its impressive legal team to include Marco Gonzalez of Coast Law Group, a leading environmental firm in California. Marco has successfully negotiated and litigated complex disputes on behalf of numerous non-profit environmental organizations and community groups. He joins Bill Hunt and Laura Couch at Alston Hunt Floyd and Ing as lead attorneys on behalf of KNSC in this litigation.

Building their case over the past five months, KNSC and Sierra Club have compiled testimony from experts in traffic engineering, sociology, and endangered species habitat, all setting forth strong analyses supporting the necessity of an SEIS for KRC’s proposed expansion.

The hearing on this motion is scheduled before the Honorable Sabrina S. McKenna in the First Circuit Court of the State of Hawaii on Monday, November 13, 2006, at 9:45 a.m.

Go to Keep the North Shore Country

Simultaneous protests against Oaktree Capital's Massive Turtle Bay Expansion

2006-10-25T07:25:00.000-10:00

Defend Oahu Coalition is holding simultaneous protests against the tentative permit approval for mainland-based Oaktree Capital Management’s proposed 3500 unit expansion of Turtle Bay Resort from Kawela Bay to Kuilima Point. DOC is also calling on elected officials to speak up and represent the North Shore residents interests. Resolutions that could stop or alter the
proposed development have remained frozen in City Council Committees. DOC is calling upon the Mayor and City council to represent their constituents and taxpayers against the 20 year old plan, calling for new Environmental Studies and holding new hearings with public participation.

Protests are occurring Wednesday Oct. 25 from 4-6 pm in front of Honolulu Hale (City Hall) and in front of the Turtle Bay Resort.

Also of note is the continued silence of the Turtle Bay Resort management. The resort website has no information of expansion or intentions of expansion. Likewise, Oaktree Capital Management and Benchmark Hospitality websites offer no information on the expansion.

Kahuku needs, wishes should be addessed

2006-10-23T12:30:00.000-10:00

Your recent article on the expansion of the Turtle Bay Resort (Oct. 13) suggests that the Kahuku community is divided on the issue. But it is clear that the only support for the project is coming from a handful of individuals who were involved in the unilateral agreement negotiations more than 20 years ago.

When the agreement was negotiated, the Kahuku sugar mill had just closed and jobs were an important consideration in the community. Today, those who represented Kahuku in the original agreement are retired, and their children's children are going off to college. Their world, and ours, is very different.

With statewide unemployment under 3 percent and a number of jobs available at the resort, this community is more concerned about affordable housing and traffic than the creation of hundreds of non-living-wage service jobs and the desecration of some of the last open spaces on the North Shore. As evidenced by recent protests at Honolulu Hale and the resort, this is an islandwide issue with people across O'ahu opposing the expansion plans.

The decision by Oaktree Capital to act on the decades-old permit indicates that its view of the economic landscape in Hawai'i has changed. Similarly, the needs and wishes of the Kahuku community have changed. It is incumbent on the developers to stop moving forward on their plans and first address the needs of today's community.
Kevin Kelly
Kahuku

Do what is pono, keep the country country

2006-10-23T12:28:00.000-10:00

I would like to express my concern regarding proposed development at Turtle Bay. Any further development would certainly destroy what still remains of the natural ambiance, warmth and beauty of our rural North Share community.

The aloha spirit that was once prevalent here has all but disappeared as our way of life is being severely challenged.

It is imperative that the powers that be curtail any further large-scale development such as that proposed by the Kuilima Resort Co. before it is too late! It is unconscionable that our way of life and the beauty of the North Shore be jeopardized any more. Once it is gone, it's gone for good. It is our kuleana to do what is pono and keep the country country!
Jimmy Cullen
Hale'iwa

Residents plan to protest Turtle Bay expansion

2006-10-18T23:29:00.000-10:00

By Marisa Yamane

They're not going down without a fight.

Dozens of people against new development at Turtle Bay spent the day gearing up for a protest.

This comes just days after the city tentatively approved an expansion plan at Turtle Bay Resort.

Residents opposed to the plan say the fight's not over.

Whether to surf or sightsee, thousands pass through Oahu's North Shore daily.

The North Shore has always been an area where Oahu residents come to play," said Toby Morris of the Defend Oahu Coalition.

It's a way of life many have grown accustomed to, and are now afraid to lose.

"By setting it up as a resort development they're taking away our playground," said Morris.

Members of the Defend Oahu Coalition spent the day gearing up for the fight.

"They're fighting one extreme so we gotta fight the other extreme," said Janna Bills of the Defend Oahu Coalition.

A fight against expansion at Turtle Bay Resort.

This week, the city gave tentative approval to Kuilima Resort Company, to build five more hotels at Turtle Bay and Kawela Bay.

"It's like a kick in the gut and it really hurt," said Mark Manley of the Defend Oahu Coalition.

The expansion plan is based on an agreement made in 1986 between the city, state, developers, and community.

The agreement does not have an expiration date.

"I wish 20 years ago there was as strong a push as we're trying to make now. I don't think this is over-reaction at all," said Katye Killebrew of the Defend Oahu Coalition.

Not all residents are opposed to the plan. Those in favor see the potential for economic benefits, like more money coming into local businesses and thousands of new jobs.

This topic has certainly divided the community.

"Putting a development of this magnitude out in this area with poor little two lane Kamehameha Highway to support it in the guise of creating jobs for the people out here is irresponsible," said Killebrew.

Sunday, dozens of members of this grassroots group will protest in front of Turtle Bay Resort.

"Just making the public aware. And let all the politicians know we're out here and don't want this," said Manley.

Keep in mind, nothing is final yet.

Under the tentative approval, Kuilima Resort Company must submit final development plans to the city by the end of the year.

The city will then review those plans then decide whether to issue a building permit.

Officials Need To Better Explain Kawela Stands

2006-10-18T23:18:00.000-10:00

The developers behind the expansion at Kawela Bay have been granted a tentative permit to continue their master plan of building four additional hotels. During this time there have been numerous protests questioning the need for this development, the impact it will have on the North Shore and future ramifications.

Although there is little community support for this development, we have seen very few of our elected leaders explain their position. Moreover, officials must explain to the public what obligations they are bound to concerning the 20-year-old agreement and obsolete environmental impact statement with the developers.

Mayor Mufi Hannemann talks about how Hawai'i is such a special place; however, I have not seen any action on his part regarding this development. The same could be said for members of the City Council.

It would be nice if the public were more informed as to their positions on this issue, or better yet their support to block this expansion at Kawela Bay.

The North Shore is used by all of us, and the lack of acknowledgement and support by our leaders is an indication that they are not listening to their constituents.
Matthew Tuthill
Honolulu

Turtle Bay Application Needs More Openness

2006-10-17T08:17:00.000-10:00

The Honolulu Advertiser ran this editorial today.

North Shore residents have seen this happen before, and not too long ago: Decisions are being made on a key public issue of great community concern with very little discussion conducted in the open.

First it was the ownership of Waimea Valley that was largely debated behind closed doors. While that controversy finally ended well, with the preservation of a cultural resource, this is not how planning for the future should be conducted.

So it's frustrating to see that the city recently issued a tentative approval on the subdivision application for the Turtle Bay resort expansion with so little opportunity for public comment.
City officials underscore that the approval is not final and that planners were legally bound to take some action by Oct. 26. Meanwhile, lawyers have urged the City Council to table all public discussions of the project because of a pending lawsuit challenging the validity of an environmental impact statement issued more than 20 years ago.

All of this may be legally sound, strictly speaking, but residents are left with the galling realization that they have no audience before their elected city officials.

Mayor Mufi Hannemann reports that he has met with developers Kuilima Resort Co. and is "encouraged" by its openness to suggestions. That's fine, but the rest of us would like to see a little of that openness, too.

If some measure of expansion at Turtle Bay proceeds, as it undoubtedly will, it needs to be based on a process with transparency. Kuilima and the city may not be able to sit down with the litigants in a pending lawsuit, but the virtual shutdown of the entire conversation seems pointless, especially as the permitting process moves along without constraint.