LIHU‘E — The proposed expansion of The Beach House restaurant became the subject of debate at last week’s Planning Commission meeting, with many neighbors voicing their opposition to the idea.
The restaurant, located on Lawa‘i Road in Kukui‘ula, was granted a temporary Special Management Area Emergency Permit during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, allowing them to host weddings and accommodate outdoor dining in a tent behind its building.
They are seeking to make these changes permanent.
“The Beach House has a long tradition of being a place of celebration on Kaua‘i,” said The Beach House restaurant Sales Director Tiffany Lee in her testimony at the Tuesday meeting.
“I hope and urge that you will approve this amendment to the SMA Use Permit at The Beach House restaurant and allow us to continue celebrating Kaua‘i’s beauty on this special space.”
Owners of nearby condos voiced concerns over the negative effect the expansion could have on parking, the environment, noise and property values.
President of the Koloa Community Association Jeri Di Pietro described the setup as “very inappropriate for this location.”
“While we understand the beauty of open-air dining, this location is too close to the ocean,” she said.
“The wedding tent that’s up constantly is a real eyesore,” she added. “It alters the enjoyment of people coming there for sunset.”
In documents submitted to the commission, the restaurant reported that they intended to install a new tent, one that is transparent, instead of a white tent that was originally in place.
Many residents also complained about the noise at the events hosted at the venue.
“We can’t sleep with our windows open because of the noise level at 10 o’clock at night from the weddings,” said John Sittner, who lives near the restaurant.
Those living nearby were also concerned about potential parking issues created by the expansion. In her testimony, Lee said that, since most of their events are serviced by shuttles or trolleys, they should not significantly contribute to parking or congestion issues.
Small business owners who provide services to The Beach House weddings — photographers, musicians, florists and bakers — all voiced support for the proposal.
“I believe these events generate positive tourist engagement with our community by supporting many local businesses and services and generating more benefit to our economy than standard tourism,” said Jolene Herbstritt of Kealoha Flowers. “My
business, my family and my employees’ families depend on the income generated from The Beach House weddings and events.”
“Events at The Beach House do not interfere with use or enjoyment of the coastal area,” said wedding photographer Mami Wycoff in her testimony supporting the restaurant’s plan. “The Beach House lawn continues to be used by locals on a daily basis for surfing, fishing and sunbathing. We believe activities can coexist.”
The Planning Commission ultimately decided to extend the permit for a 24-month period. The commission also limited the amount of time the tent could remain up, and required that activities cease at 9:30 p.m. The restaurant was also required to submit a semi-annual report on the events, including a decibel reading of noise created during those events.
The commission agreed that the restaurant could request a permanent extension at a later date, following another public hearing.
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Guthrie Scrimgeour, reporter, can be reached at 647-0329 or gscrimgeour@thegardenisland.com.
