For more than two decades, the remains of a Coco Palms Resort that was pummeled by Hurricane Iniki have stood along Kuhio Highway in Wailua. Disputes over insurance and permits and other factors kept what was once one of Kauai’s
For more than two decades, the remains of a Coco Palms Resort that was pummeled by Hurricane Iniki have stood along Kuhio Highway in Wailua. Disputes over insurance and permits and other factors kept what was once one of Kauai’s most storied resorts from finding new life.
Most towns would want to tear down what was left of a crumbling and rotting resort, at the very least to not provide a likely home for hordes of rats. But for reasons not everyone is aware of and understands, the shell of Coco Palms refused to die. As the years passed, the shuttered resort endeared itself to residents and was popular with visitors who wanted to walk its halls and hear the tales of its majestic past.
The outcry that something needed to be done with Coco Palms faded. Oh, it rose again every now and then. Proposals surfaced and promptly died and were buried again. There was talk of a fitness spa and a condo and housing. A hotel was mentioned and never heard from again. For the most part, most folks were satisfied to leave the resort as it was — including the thieves who broke in to take what they could, including four solid koa wood doors from the Queen’s Auditorium Hall in 2013. The magnificent hand-carved doors were 4 feet by 8 feet, weighed several hundred pounds and were valued at up to $50,000 each.
And it wasn’t just a lousy economy that stopped any development plans. Some didn’t want the resort rebuilt for fears of what it would do to the area’s already horrendous traffic. Other point to the sacredness of the land, and note its cultural, historical and religious links to Kauai’s past.
Most lost hope that something, anything, would happen with Coco Palms. But most believe it will continue to be a nice tourist attraction. Most are confident the rats that live there will not have to give up their home.
But Chad Waters and Tyler Greene, we hope, will prove them wrong. Early on, rest assured, they were discouraged from taking this on and encouraged to just go home. But they didn’t. Be glad for that.
The partners behind Honolulu-based redevelopment firm Coco Palms Hui recently received demolition permits to tear down 25 buildings on the site. Work could begin in the next four to six weeks.
On Thursday, a festive crowd — some who worked and visited Coco Palms in its glory days — gathered for a blessing ceremony that marked perhaps the key moment in the rebirth of this once-famous hotel. Led by the golden voice of the always charismatic and lovable Larry Rivera, who performed at Coco Palms, there was new life. Guests talked excitedly, proud to be part of this ceremony, surrounded by swaying palms trees.
It was a long road to get here.
This $135 million project will breathe more life into an island economy all too dependent on tourism. Ask any economist what drives an economy, what keeps it growing. The answer is construction. Without growth, the economy falters and shrinks.
Waters and Greene didn’t come here looking to desecrate and destroy and cause traffic jams. They will do right with Coco Palms Resort by Hyatt that could open with 350 rooms in 2017. They will respect the land. They will honor it. They know how sacred it is. And they will do this project right. It will provide hundreds of jobs. It will pay tribute to the site’s history.
If you doubt their sincerity, consider what Waters and Greene agreed to do as part of this project, the first hotel built here in 20 years.
w The developers must contribute $50,000 to assist the Planning Department’s historic preservation mission through its efforts to perpetuate the cultural and historic significance of the Wailua area.
w The developers must contribute $50,000 to the county for moku and ahupuaa signage and $10,000 to the county Transportation Agency for a new bus stop along Kuhio Highway in Wailua.
w The developers must also pay for all road improvements on Apana Road, including sidewalks, turn lanes and road widening projects.
w The developers have agreed to fully fund two new shuttle services from the hotel to Lihue Airport and other popular Wailua destinations, create a bike-share program and contribute funding toward future traffic and pedestrian issue resolutions.
An overpass, which many wanted so resort guests could safely cross over Kuhio Highway, was not part of the requirements. While costly, it should have been part of the process.
Traffic is, for many, the primary problem that will come with this new resort. That is a valid concern as traffic certainly will increase. But with planning, the developers believe massive traffic jams can be avoided. And Kauai can’t say no to every development because it will put more cars on the road.
Fact is, if Waters and Greene aren’t successful here, if the project falters, if construction never begins, it likely means we’ll have the ruins of Coco Palms with us many more years. Well, at least the ghosts of Elvis and Bing would be thankful.
