East Kaua’i will soon have a new 196-unit, time-share and hotel in Waipouli as a result of a 5-1 approval by the Kaua’i County Planning Commission yesterday. The majority of the commission noted the project was consistent with the resort
East Kaua’i will soon have a new 196-unit, time-share and hotel in Waipouli as a result of a 5-1 approval by the Kaua’i County Planning Commission yesterday.
The majority of the commission noted the project was consistent with the resort zoning of the land and that it will be an economic asset to Kaua’i.
Commission chairwoman Sandi Kato-Klutke and commissioner Mike Cockett said they liked the idea that landowner Niu Pia Farm Ltd., based in Kailua, O’ahu, is to provide public access throughout the 13-acre project.
Grove Farm Co. president David Pratt and his family are among the owners of Niu Pia.
Commissioner Abigail Santos offered the only dissenting vote, saying she agreed with opposing public testimony.
A handful of critics, including a person saying he is a kanaka maoli, or the indigenous people of Hawai’i, said the developer, Waipouli Beach Resort LLC., has no right to relocate remains of any ancient Hawaiians found on the project site.
Others said the project will only worsen traffic problems in East Kaua’i.
But supporters said the developer is obliged to follow government rules and conditions set by the commission to protect ancient Hawaiian remains and artifacts.
And they said that while the resort is likely to generate traffic, solving traffic problems in Waipouli and Kapa’a is the responsibility of the state Department of Transportation.
In its action, the commission approved requests from Waipouli Beach Resort LLC. for a special management area use permit, a project development use permit and a Class IV Zoning permit.
The commission required Niu Pia to comply with these key conditions:
- The developer must commence “substantial construction” of the project within five years of approval of the permits.
- The developer must develop an interim protection plan to build a buffer zone for a historical and cultural preserve during the work.
- The developer must submit a development plan for the project, as a way for the county to get a detailed picture of project and the work.
Representing Waipouli Beach and Niu Pia, attorney Michael Belles said the developer has agreed to provide public access throughout the entire project. Commissioner Ted Daligdig said he used that area as a youngster and wanted public access preserved for the public’s benefit.
Belles said, however, the developer couldn’t promise to build a bridge spanning a stream between Niu’s property and an adjoining property because Niu “doesn’t control on the other side.”
The developer, however, will accommodate any county bicycle path that is built along the coastline that runs through Niu’s property, Belles said.
The 13-acre site owned by Niu has been designated by the county for resort use for many years. The land is located makai of the Kauai Shopping Village.
Waipouli Beach is proposing to build a family-oriented project intended to maximize ocean views and open spaces and to accommodate residents and visitors.
The conceptual architectural design of the timeshare units is proposed to be reminiscent of “old Hawai’i,” with broad overhangs, hipped roofs and column.
The resort will boast eight buildings that will be four stories high, a restaurant, a wedding chapel, a recreational swimming pool, a pool bar and a food snack bar, a sales center and 440 parking stalls.
The resort will also feature a cultural preserve for up to 21 burials. Archeological finds also are anticipated to be deposited within the preserve.
Staff writer Lester Chang can be reached at 245-3681 (ext. 225) and mailto:lchang@pulitzer.net
