The developers of The Shops at Koloa announced yesterday that they will be moving ahead soon with the construction of the shopping center in Koloa. Most of the large monkeypod trees on the property will remain untouched, according to a
The developers of The Shops at Koloa announced yesterday that they will be moving ahead soon with the construction of the shopping center in Koloa.
Most of the large monkeypod trees on the property will remain untouched, according to a statement released by Stacey Wong, trustee of the Knudsen Trust, which owns the land where the shops will be located, and developer David Nelson. The beginning phase of construction will consist of the removal and replanting of more than two dozen trees.
“We have heard and considered the comments of some members of the Koloa community regarding the trees on the site,” Wong said in the statement. “The plan for dealing with this issue is as comprehensive as possible. There is simply no way to accommodate all of the demands people are making as we proceed with the construction of the center.”
Wong added that the trees are on private property and do not fall under the County’s Exceptional Tree Ordinance.
“Even so, we have tried several times in the past to move the healthy trees to nearby locations or donate them to county parks or other developments,” Wong said. “But those efforts, and others, have met opposition from people not willing to compromise.”
But Wong feels the issue is not just the preservation of the trees; people simply do not want a shopping center to open.
“There are certain people who have an anti-growth agenda,” Wong said. “Last year they opposed the project at Koloa Creekside, but even then they did not object to the removal of trees when that development was discussed. Yet these people are now adamant that our trees remain just as they are, even when we tell them a number of trees at the site will remain unchanged when our landscaping is completed.”
And the people he’s referring to are making their voices known. Although Wong acknowledges the right to free speech and the right to express themselves, he says some people have taken it too far.
“In this case some individuals have gone beyond that,” Wong said. “People who have signed on as tenants in the new center have received threatening messages.”
Nelson has also received a threatening message via e-mail, stating “It would be a great service to the community to leave the trees untouched…and it might keep you from getting killed when you are here and people find out who you are.”
Wong couldn’t comment on the threat due to an ongoing investigation by the Kaua‘i Police Department, but he confirmed a Kaua‘i resident sent the e-mail.
“Freedom always comes with responsibility,” Nelson said in response to the threatening e-mail. “Freedom of speech does not include the right to threaten or kill. Unfortunately, in this case, there are some people who are not acting legally or responsibly.”
Wong said he has been harassed, but has not received any threats.
Last Saturday, “No Trespassing” signs were posted around the property. Wong said numerous individuals have trespassed on the land and desecrated the property with signs and graffiti.
“For legal reasons, we were advised to put up the signs,” Wong said.
The signs have not stopped the numerous rallies and candlelight vigils held by members of the Koloa community.
“We feel sad they’re not willing to communicate with the community,” Carol Ann Davis-Briant, board member of the Koloa Community Association, said. “They can talk to the community at least, it’s a win-win if they do.”
But Davis-Briant feels the developer doesn’t understand the community at all.
“Once the trees are gone, that’s the end of our community,” she said.
A Federal Court order issued Sept. 24 allows Koloa Marketplace LLC to move ahead with its plans to build.
In addition, the settlement states on page 5, Koloa Marketplace LLC “shall be allowed to relocate, replace and/or remove existing monkeypod or other trees consistent with its landscaping plan.”
The plan stipulates that if a tree is to be replaced, the new tree must be of a similar species and size.
The Shops at Koloa, when completed, will include a post office, restaurants, retailers, a bank, a gourmet food market and offices. Wong said he expects the building permits this summer; construction is expected to take about 18 months.
“We realize that not everyone will be satisfied with our replanting program,” Wong said. “But this is a positive plan that allows a permitted development to proceed, and that insures that the essential nature of Koloa Town will continue for generations to come.”
