T here’s a lot of things going on these days on Kauai folks don’t agree on. It seems, though, one thing we can agree on is that something has to be done with Coco Palms. It’s been nearly 22 years
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here’s a lot of things going on these days on Kauai folks don’t agree on. It seems, though, one thing we can agree on is that something has to be done with Coco Palms. It’s been nearly 22 years since Hurricane Iniki devastated Kauai and the beloved hotel was among its victims. It’s since stood there off Kuhio Highway and Kuamoo Road, a shell of its former self that today serves as a tourist attraction and the subject of this question: Why doesn’t anyone do anything with that place?
The answer can be traced to the usual suspects: Money, more specifically, who would be paying, not to mention dealing with insurance, permits and politics.
Now, finally, we have what seems to be the best and most serious proposal to rebuild Coco Palms.
A Honolulu-based development company, Coco Palms Hui, LLC, has laid out its plans to attract investors and spend an estimated $125 million to rebuild the resort. Construction could begin later this year and a 360-room “Coco Palms by Hyatt,” operated by Hyatt Hotels Corporation, could open in 2017. Coco Palms Hui, LLC, said it is hoping to attract foreign investors to help fund the project.
While some have concerns about the impact of this on an already chaotic traffic situation in Kapaa, there are many economic benefits, including 1,970 jobs and a $230 million output. The construction phase alone is expected to cost $85 million and create 1,306 new jobs and building is what boosts an economy. It’s a sure sign of growth. If there’s no building going on, there isn’t any growth, and without growth, you’re left with, at best, a stagnant economy. Once complete, Coco Palms is expected to employ 664 people — 279 in hotel operations and 385 in food and beverage. Those jobs in hotel operations will average $24,300.
Building permits for the hotel are scheduled to be filed later this year — once the revisions are reviewed by the county Planning Department and Office of the County Attorney. Local officials have supported this project and we hope they continue to do so. A possible sticking point seems to be the overpass.
A pedestrian overpass for guests to cross Kuhio Highway to reach Wailua Beach and the Seashell Restaurant would be great. It should be studied and strongly considered. An overpass is not part of the developer’s plans but because this area of Kuhio Highway will eventually be widened to four lanes, safe passage across the highway must be part of the discussion. There’s no denying traffic will increase and guests of the new Coco Palms will want to cross the highway to reach the beach. That combination of vehicles and people must be considered. Improving crosswalks and creating sidewalks, perhaps with a safety barrier such as the one across the highway, could be an option. A shuttle to the restaurant could work, too. Safety must be a priority and measures must be taken to separate pedestrians from traffic. The question is, at any cost? Could it become so costly, the site will not be developed?
We would like to see a cost estimate for building an enclosed overpass. We would like more discussion on this issue and determine whether an overpass is doable. But we don’t want developers to back away because of a cost-prohibitive requirement. It would certainly be disappointing if this project never takes off, which is what some fear will happen, and we are left with a reminder of Elvis and Blue Hawaii for another decade. And we all agree, we don’t want that.
