The Kaua’i County Planning Commission will hear permit requests from Kapalawai Resort LLC on Tuesday, April 23 to build what could become the largest resort on the Westside. The commission has scheduled a public hearing for the proposed 166-acre project
The Kaua’i County Planning Commission will hear permit requests from Kapalawai Resort LLC on Tuesday, April 23 to build what could become the largest resort on the Westside.
The commission has scheduled a public hearing for the proposed 166-acre project at 1:30 p.m. at the Mo’ikeha Building of the Lihu’e Civic Center.
Kapalawai Resort is seeking final approval for a special management area permit, a project development use permit and a class IV zoning permit for a 250-unit resort with restaurants, a pavilion, lu’au grounds, a museum, bar, swimming pools, spa, sport courts and a club house.
The Robinson family’s Kapalawai estate home is located on the property.
Kaua’i archeologist Dr. Pila Kikuchi has offered to lead efforts to restore a traditional Hawaiian fishpond on the resort site.
Last December, the Kaua’i County Council unanimously approved a zoning ordinance allowing for the development of the resort.
The state Land Use Commission also approved the change from agricultural to urban zoning for the site.
As part of the zoning change approved by government agencies, Kapalawai has designated 20 units of affordable housing for employees, guaranteed 24-hour public access to the resort shoreline and made available about 3 acres for public picnics on the resort grounds.
The development of the project is anticipated to create up to 225 jobs, with a priority of hiring going to applicants from the Westside.
Kapalawai Resort officials have said hiring Westside residents to manage the proposed resort is a primary goal.
