The Kauai Planning Commission has upheld an earlier decision to revoke permits held by Coco Palms to rebuild the property, which was damaged in 1992 during Hurricane Iniki.

The commission’s action affirms the March 28 order of hearings officer Richard Nakamura.

The hearing officer’s decision was stayed for 30 days to allow to allow Prudential, Coco Palms Ventures LLC’s lender, to further explore the issues involved.

As part of his order, Nakamura noted that only the Planning Department would be allowed to ask for an extension of this 30-day stay. The department made no such request and the Commission unanimously adopted the order to revoke.

In response to the commission’s action, Mayor Bernard Carvalho Jr. said: “The property has languished for much too long, and with no alternate plan being proposed by the owners, it’s time to move on to new opportunities.” 

The mayor added: “I plan to arrange for a community discussion very soon so that we can all envision what the future could hold for this site of such historic and cultural significance.”

Council Council Chairman Jay Furfaro issued a statement saying in part, “The Council will continue to support the organization of a community based planning process that will honor the history and culture of this property and hopes that the Hawaiian Islands Land Trust will be able to secure funding quickly to complete the acquisition of the Coco Palms property for the benefit of the public.”