• Kukui‘ula promises Kukui‘ula promises By Jack Lundgren When A&B Properties originally presented their plans for development at Kukuí‘ula, they represented to the Council and the people of Kaua‘i that they would provide reasonable housing opportunities. They promised to sell
• Kukui‘ula promises
Kukui‘ula promises
By Jack Lundgren
When A&B Properties originally presented their plans for development at Kukuí‘ula, they represented to the Council and the people of Kaua‘i that they would provide reasonable housing opportunities. They promised to sell lots “to start at $60,000,” and house and lot packages for full time residents at “ìbetween $140,000 to $240,000 for homes constructed on 6,000 to 8,000 square-foot lots.”
That was in 1989, during the General Plan approval process. Prices could be expected to be higher, perhaps even double those promises in today’s dollars.
A&B has been known as a local Hawai‘i corporation, concerned with the welfare of the people of the islands. Their participation in the United Way, and sponsorship of Hawaii Public Radio and PBS Hawaii are evidence of this.
Now DMB Associates, a big-time developer from Arizona, has taken the lead on the Kukui‘ula project. DMB is noted for creating large, private, gated, exclusive, and expensive projects on the Mainland.
Here’s what they are now proposing, as quoted in their petition for a zoning amendment:
Lots (lot only!) “anticipated to start around $975,000.”
“Single-family residences will be offered for an estimated price of $1.3 million.”
“Upper end custom lots” (lots only!) “with views of the coastline are expected to range in price from $1.75 to $3 million.”
Duplex and triplex units will be offered “with sales prices estimated between $1.9 and $2.3 million.”
Wow! Will local residents be able to afford these prices? Will employees of the resort be able to live there? Of course not! This project is being marketed to wealthy mainlanders for second homes and vacation rentals. DMB is requesting visitor destination area (VDA) designation for the entire 1,000 acre project. It is not likely that long-term rentals will be available for local residents.
This is where the County Council and the Administration can actually stand up and address the critical need for housing. In fact, it’s their responsibility to do so. The Supreme Court has declared that it is the right of local communities to plan their growth and zone land, as long as reasonable use of that land is not precluded.
The Council should amend the petition to require that the 320 acres of Kukui‘ula land that was originally promised to be available for sale to local residents remains intact. If they fail in this, Kaua‘i will be a big loser to the wealth and power of the developers who stand to make millions while ignoring their promises to the people.
Jack Lundgren is a resident of Kapa‘a
