Group opposed to expansion settles with Turtle Bay Resort
One of three organizations contesting Turtle Bay Resort expansion plans in court has agreed to settle.
Keep the North Shore Country, the Sierra Club and Unite Here Local 5 challenged the validity of a supplemental environmental impact statement supporting the addition of two hotels with a combined 625 rooms and 100 homes on about 150 acres fronting the ocean on opposing sides of the existing 443-room Turtle Bay hotel.
Last year the resort agreed to protect 666 acres of its North Shore property from development in perpetuity by selling the state a conservation easement for $48.5 million.
That deal effectively eliminated 650 homes from the resort’s expansion plan, including 225 fronting Kawela Bay. However, the legal challenges remained.
Turtle Bay announced a settlement with Keep the North Shore Country on Tuesday.
Full terms weren’t disclosed, though the resort said it agreed to contribute to North Shore wildlife conservation.
The resort said completing the easement depends on resolving claims of the Sierra Club and Local 5. The settlement with Keep the North Shore Country is contingent on completing the easement by Sept. 1.
Take a step toward helping others with charity walk in May
The 37th Annual Charity Walk presented by the Hawaii Lodging and Tourism Association is coming to an island near you in May.
Thousands are expected to turn out for the event, one of Hawaii’s largest statewide fundraisers. The event provides assistance to more than 200 local nonprofits across the isles. Lanai and Molokai will hold walks May 2. Walks will be held on Hawaii island and Maui on May 9. Oahu and Kauai walkers will participate May 16.
Since its debut in 1978, the walk has provided more than $27 million to local charities. Some 14,281 walkers statewide participated in last year’s event, raising $1.8 million.
With support from the Honolulu Star-Advertiser, HLTA’s Charity Walk has helped fund organizations such as the American Diabetes Association, Easter Seals Hawaii, American Red Cross (Hawaii Chapter), Make-A-Wish Foundation — Hawaii, Big Brothers Big Sisters and many more.
For registration and more information, visit CharityWalkHawaii.org or call 923-0407.
Coast Hotels expands portfolio with property in West Kauai
Coast Hotels announced Tuesday that Waimea Plantation Cottages, a property that it has managed since July, is joining its Pacific Coast Collection.
"We are thrilled to offer a Hawaiian destination to our Coast Rewards members and guests looking to experience the serene and relaxing way of life on Kauai," said Doug Rigoni, executive vice president and chief operating officer of Coast Hotels.
Located on the western coast of Kauai, close to Waimea Canyon and the Na Pali Coast, Waimea Plantation Cottages is a repurposed sugar plantation village. Its 61 cottages, which sit on a 27-acre site fronting a black-sand beach, have been restored with period-inspired pieces.
"Coast Hotels has proven its expertise, brand value and guest services focus," said Gregg Enright, general manager of Waimea Plantation Cottages. "We aim to leverage the approachability of Coast Hotels with our tranquil and unique setting to provide a memorable stay for our guests."
Coast Hotels owns, manages and franchises properties throughout British Columbia, Alberta, the Northwest Territories, the Yukon, Alaska, California, Hawaii, Oregon and Washington.
Isle musicians lend their voices to benefit music programs
Outrigger Resorts is hosting a benefit for the The Grammy Museum and MusiCares on March 13.
"Celebrate Kani ka Pila" will be held from 6 to 9:30 p.m. at Kani ka Pila Grille at Outrigger Reef Waikiki Beach Resort. Tickets are $50 per person. Scheduled performers will include Cyril Pahinui, Amy Hanaiali‘i, Hookena, Raiatea Helm and Kamaka Kukona. Other musicians include George Kahumoku, Charles Brotman, Mike Kaawa, Sean Naauao, Chris Lau, Del Beazley, Kawika Kahiapo and Milton Lau.
To purchase tickets visit outrigger.com/music.
