Location
Kahalu‘u, North Kona, Hawai‘i Island
Client
Kamehameha Schools
HHF was selected by Kamehameha Schools (KS) to prepare an Environmental Assessment under Chapter 343, Hawai‘i Revised Statutes, and process a County of Hawai‘i Special Management Area Use Permit (SMA Permit) for the redevelopment of its 22-acre oceanfront property at Kahalu‘u Ahupua‘a on the Island of Hawai‘i. The project will transform the former resort developed property into a world class educational and cultural complex. It would serve as a center of Native Hawaiian culture allowing learners to take advantage of in situ resources (natural and cultural) to supplement traditional learning and enhance cultural practices. KS is a private charitable educational trust endowed by the will of Princess Bernice Pauahi Bishop to support an educational system serving more than 47,000 learners in Hawai‘i and across the nation.
The project involves:
- Demolition of the former Keauhou Beach Resort (KBR) hotel and remnant Kona Lagoon Hotel (KLH) facilities
- Construction of several new structures supporting educational programs
- Continued restoration and preservation of historic sites.
Formerly the site of the KLH before it was demolished in 2004, and the KBR which closed in October 2012, the shoreline property is both one of the most culturally significant in Hawai‘i (with five heiau on site) and environmentally unique, with wetlands and tidepools. Planning work needed to address these resources, fulfill agency requirements, and develop practical mitigating measures. HHF supported KS in community outreach efforts that included public meetings, and consultations with native Hawaiian organization, lineal descendants, and various resource agencies. Other efforts included participation in site planning, addressing shoreline related issues, FWS consultations, and attending County public hearings with the Planning Commission.
Conceptual plan