West-side resort on track Kapalawai Resort developer Lew Geyser last week withdrew plans to reduce the 250-unit resort’s density. The resort is planned for a 160-acre, ocean-front spread near Pakala Village on lands owned by the West Kaua‘i Robinson family.
West-side resort on track
Kapalawai Resort developer Lew Geyser last week withdrew plans to reduce the 250-unit resort’s density. The resort is planned for a 160-acre, ocean-front spread near Pakala Village on lands owned by the West Kaua‘i Robinson family. Geyser plans to convert 42 of the units into two-bedroom units with kitchens. The original plan called for 500-square-foot cottages, each with a covered lanai and wet bar, but no kitchen.
The old inland fishpond will be restored, as will an old Portuguese oven and other historic sites on the property.
Safeway is a good place to work
The Kapa‘a Safeway was recognized as one of the state’s “Outstanding Employers” by the Department of Human Services’ Vocational, Rehabilitation and Services for the Blind Division for October. They got the award for their work in helping their disabled employees overcome employment barriers and making those with disabilities feel comfortable shopping there. October is National Disability Employment Awareness Month. Other winners were Wal-Mart on Maui, Ross Dress for Less in Kailua-Kona, and Ross Dress for Less, Bavarian Motor Experts and Buzz’s Original Steakhouse all on Oahu. There were 6,707 people with disabilities receiving assistance from the DHS’ Vocational Rehabilitation Division in 2004.
Parker joins A&B
Lance Kaneala Parker has joined A&B Properties, Inc. as project manager in acquisitions. Parker has worked in commercial real estate in Southern California, with an emphasis in analysis and advisory services. He will be responsible for supporting the company’s real estate acquisition program. Parker was an associate vice president with Grubb & Ellis Commercial Real Estate in Anaheim, Calif.. He is licensed to sell real estate in California. He was born and raised in Hawaii and earned a B.A. in business administration from the University of Southern California. He is a graduate of Kamehameha Schools.
In recent years A&B Properties has embarked on an aggressive strategy of acquisitions to expand beyond its historical land holdings and has, in the past five years alone, invested in 21 Hawaii real estate projects outside of its core landholdings. These include various development projects on Oahu, Maui, Kaua‘i and the Big Island, representing a total capital investment of over $400 million. A&B’s landholdings include a total of over 90,000 acres in Hawaii, making it the state’s fourth largest private landowner.
Workers’ comp rates may drop
State Insurance Commissioner J.P. Schmidt has approved a 3 percent decrease in average loss costs paid by employers in the state for workers’ compensation insurance, which may help to bring down premiums for some companies. Hawaii insurance companies will base their rates on the lower costs starting in January. The loss cost is a significant factor in determining rates, Schmidt said, though the lower cost does not mean all workers’ comp premiums will fall by 3 percent. Schmidt cited fewer workplace accidents as a major reason for the drop.
Tax man goes to the slam
A Honolulu-based tax preparer was sentenced to 98 years in prison, probation revocation, and another 18 years in the slammer – all to run concurrently – for tax evasion. But the Hawai‘i Department of Taxation that Basuel will probably do only 10 years time. He also was fined $60,000. It was the third conviction for Basual, who operated RB Tax Service. He got five years each for 11 counts of tax evasion, three years each for 11 counts of preparing false and fraudulent statements, and 10 years for theft in the first degree. And if that weren’t enough, he’s set for trial in December for federal income tax charges. Basuel allegedly prepared returns without signing his name as the paid preparer and he charged clients 10 percent of their refunds.
Chamber says amendment is antibusiness
The Kaua‘i Chamber of Commerce is asking its members (and anyone who reads their newsletter) to vote “no” on the real property tax charter amendment Nov. 2.
“County of Kaua‘i officials estimate that real property tax revenues to the County will decrease between $3 million and $9 million should the real property tax amendment be approved on November 2,” read the Chamber’s October newsletter.
That shortfall could be passed onto county taxpayers in other ways, argues the Chamber, including commercial, industrial and agricultural taxes. “Several years ago, when the county faced a budget shortfall it was estimated that about 25 employees would need to be cut to make up for each $1 million,” read the newsletter. “Will the cuts be made in health, safety or human services, parks maintenance or summer fun?”
