Residents will have another chance this Tuesday, Aug. 24, to give comment on Regency Development LLC.’s proposal to build a 323-unit condominium project along Po‘ipu Road. The project, located near the shoreline and west of the Sheraton Kaua‘i Resort, has
Residents will have another chance this Tuesday, Aug. 24, to give comment on Regency Development LLC.’s proposal to build a 323-unit condominium project along Po‘ipu Road.
The project, located near the shoreline and west of the Sheraton Kaua‘i Resort, has drawn support and criticism. The bone of contention from opponents boils down to the impact of the project on surrounding areas.
Opposing arguments on the project are anticipated to be heard again during a public hearing on the matter called by members of the Kaua‘i Planning Commission and scheduled to begin at 1:30 p.m. on Tuesday at the Lihu‘e Civic Center.
Some business folks have said the project, if allowed, will help enhance the appeal of Po‘ipu, a world-renowned resort area.
On the other side, some area residents have voiced concerns that parts of the project could block ocean views.
But representatives for the developer have said mitigative measure are planned, including staggered buildings so views can be preserved.
Some residents also are concerned that traffic from the project, if allowed, and traffic from existing resorts and future ones planned in Po‘ipu, will add to the traffic congestion on Po‘ipu Road and other roads in South Kaua‘i.
Government officials have said that while they have developed plans to mitigate traffic in resort areas of Kaua‘i, traffic congestion is a reality for such areas.
Officials have said that if people are planning to move into Po‘ipu, they should accept traffic as part of their everyday living.
Leaders with KVH Partners of Honolulu, which owns the 25-acre condominium site, have said traffic from the project isn’t likely to be intrusive because they plan to put the project’s entry point off Kapili Road.
The outcome will mean that traffic from the condominium won’t empty directly onto Po‘ipu Road, the main thoroughfare through Po‘ipu.
The placement of the hotel entry road on Kapili Road also means that homes along Ho‘onani Road aren’t likely to be impacted by traffic from the resort, developers have told county planners.
In an emergency, though, a secondary access could be put at Po‘ipu Road, the developers have said. Plans call for the construction of 268, three-bedroom units, 55 townhouse units, a manager’s unit, and 508 parking stalls. Proposed are two different types of buildings, one of which will be villas.
The current zoning — residential and open-district — for the 25-acre project site, allows for the development of 492 condominium units.
Lester Chang, staff writer, may be reached at 245-3681 (ext. 225) or mailto:lchang@pulitzer.net.
