Our experience with the pandemic taught us firsthand how important it is for us to better manage our industries in a way that supports the regeneration of our resources and people’s well-being.
So while the prospect of bringing back the nostalgia and opulence of the Coco Palms Hotel from yesteryear might have seemed appropriate just 11 years ago when the ‘Iniki ordinance was revoked, it no longer serves this emerging perspective that is demanding a reevaluation of how we secure a more-balanced future.
Despite this, developers continue to push forward with their intention to build a 350-room hotel within the Wailua beach corridor, on the former Coco Palms property located in a flood and high-traffic zone. In addition, this region known as Wailuanuiaho‘ano is one of the most significant cultural complexes in the Hawaiian archipelago. It is the birth and burial site of our ali‘i and home to Kaua‘i’s most sacred he‘iau, from Hikinaakala, ‘A‘AKukui, Malae, Holoholoku and Poli‘ahu, including Queen Deborah Kapule’s fishponds Kawai‘iki and Weuweu.
In response to this hotel permit, a petition for declaratory order has been issued, claiming that the developers’ permit has lapsed, challenging the Special Management Area Permit issued because “substantial progress” has not been made on the development.
A hearing on this petition will be held by the Planning Commission on Tuesday, Oct. 11. The petition raises arguments that should be thoroughly reviewed by our planning officials.
Now is the time to share your interests with our county planning officials and commissioners. Testimony can be submitted via email at planningdepartment@kauai.gov prior to 9 a.m. Monday, Oct. 10.
If our goal is a healthy and meaningful future that honors cultural and environmental preservation, building another hotel is the wrong approach. As a community we must evolve from the exploitive practices many outsiders believe we should continue to prescribe to.
We can no longer accept outside influences in the driver’s seat determining our future. We have to lead with culture, not money, for our community to ultimately thrive. We should expect more without having to compromise who we are or the places we cherish. We deserve growth that honors our past and protects our future.
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Mason Chock is vice chairman of the Kaua‘i County Council.
