Our Proposed Action, otherwise known as our development plan, includes two hotel sites, four beachside parks, and a Gathering Place amongst many site and land improvements that will be done. A draft supplemental environmental impact statement (SEIS) is currently underway that will summarize possible environmental impacts of our Proposed Action; it is expected to be completed and made public sometime this year.

Through our efforts with these North Shore News community updates and various community meetings, we have been trying to be pono and approach development in a right way, especially from a cultural perspective. In our very first update to the North Shore News community in October 2011, we informed the community that the resort owners have voluntarily authorized a Supplemental Archaeological Inventory Statement (SAIS) to be conducted on the Turtle Bay lands to proactively determine what may be present beneath the surface in the areas that we are proposing to develop. This survey will supplement numerous surveys that have previously been completed.

The archaeological consultant, Haun and Associates, prepared a Supplemental Archaeological Inventory Survey Plan (SAISP) that was reviewed and approved by the State Historic Preservation Division (SHPD). The SAISP outlined the scope and methodology of the SAIS.

The archaeological consultant and his team of trained archaeologists conducted their fieldwork over the last several months and recently completed their physical work. Although the archaeological consultant will be preparing a final report that will be submitted to SHPD, we felt it important to provide the community with a brief summary of the results of the SAIS. The community has consistently expressed interest and concerns over potential discovery of cultural and historic artifacts, in particular human burial remains, on the project site. We share the underlying concern to demonstrate utmost cultural respect. Thus, we felt it important to make sure that we are keeping you informed of the preliminary results of the SAIS.

We developed a brief Question and Answer (Q & A) regarding the SAIS and its findings. You may view it online at www.turtlebayseis.com. As always, comments, questions, and feedback are accepted.

The archaeological consultant, Haun and Associates, prepared a Supplemental Archaeological Inventory Survey Plan (SAISP) that was reviewed and approved by the State Historic Preservation Division (SHPD). The SAISP outlined the scope and methodology of the SAIS.

The archaeological consultant and his team of trained archaeologists conducted their fieldwork over the last several months and recently completed their physical work. Although the archaeological consultant will be preparing a final report that will be submitted to SHPD, we felt it important to provide the community with a brief summary of the results of the SAIS. The community has consistently expressed interest and concerns over potential discovery of cultural and historic artifacts, in particular human burial remains, on the project site. We share the underlying concern to demonstrate utmost cultural respect. Thus, we felt it important to make sure that we are keeping you informed of the preliminary results of the SAIS.

You can see the brief Question and Answer regarding the SAIS and its findings by clicking on the image provided below. As always, comments, questions, and feedback are accepted.

Our Proposed Action, otherwise known as our development plan, includes two hotel sites, four beachside parks, and a Gathering Place amongst many site and land improvements that will be done. A draft supplemental environmental impact statement (SEIS) is currently underway that will summarize possible environmental impacts, including traffic, of our Proposed Action; it is expected to be completed and made public sometime in the first half of this year.

Identifying, inventorying, and preserving the archaeological and cultural resources of the Turtle Bay Lands remains a critical component of our Proposed Action. Earlier, we provided some details about a Supplemental Archaeological Inventory Statement (SAIS) that the resort owners have voluntarily authorized. The SAIS will complement the already extensive amount of work that has been done for Turtle Bay Resort.

From 1977 to 2006, the Turtle Bay lands have been the subject of numerous archaeological investigations that have been documented in 21 separate reports. In 2006, this work was summarized in connection with the preparation of an archaeological mitigation plan by Cultural Surveys Hawaii for the then proposed development master plan. Three main areas have been subjected to archaeological study – Kawela Bay, Kahuku Point, and Punahou‘olapa Marsh. An additional 14 sites were also investigated. No significant adverse impacts upon archaeological resources are anticipated but the possibility of such impacts will be studied and addressed in the draft SEIS. The draft SEIS will present in greater detail any specific measures that may be necessary to mitigate the effects of significant adverse impacts up on identified archaeological or cultural resources.

In addition to the voluntary SAIS that will be completed, a Cultural Impact Assessment will also be included in the draft SEIS that will identify valuable cultural resources in the project area, evaluate the impacts of the proposed project on these valuable resource, and finally to develop appropriate mitigation measures to ensure that valuable resources are preserved and protected to extent possible, consistent with state laws. As with the SAIS, the draft SEIS will present in greater detail any specific measures that may be necessary to mitigate the effects of significant adverse impacts upon identified cultural resources.

With every aspect of our planning, we endeavor to preserve, enrich, and perpetuate the native Hawaiian culture as much as possible. Additionally, we strive to extend opportunities to the community for fellowship and cultural practice. In trying to accomplish all these goals, we will explore all viable options and alternatives to address significant impacts such as increased vehicular traffic.

Our Proposed Action, otherwise known as our development plan, includes two hotel sites, four beachside parks, and a Gathering Place – a vibrant activity and hospitality center welcoming local communities to enjoy Turtle Bay’s spectacular setting with visitors. Area residents are concerned that vehicular traffic may increase on Kamehameha Highway. A draft supplemental environmental impact statement (SEIS) is currently underway that will summarize possible environmental impacts, including traffic, of our Proposed Action; it is expected to be completed and made public sometime in the first half of this year.

Currently, Kamehameha Highway is the only entrance into Turtle Bay Resort, serving the North Shore and Ko‘olau Loa regions. The two-lane, two-way, undivided state highway follows the coastline except for the Kahuku and Haleiwa area where it turns inland.

Population growth in the North Shore and Ko‘olau Loa areas have been relatively stable over the past 30 years, while a combination of factors has led to a perceptible increase in traffic congestion on Kamehameha Highway. In particular, during big wave surfing seasons, visitors and Oahu residents alike visit the North Shore to witness surf competitions and otherwise to simply witness the high surf. A traffic analysis, which will address existing and forecast traffic conditions, will be included in the draft SEIS and will help determine if the impact of our Proposed Action upon both local and regional traffic patterns will be significant.

The draft SEIS will outline measures to mitigate the effects of any significant adverse impacts on traffic resulting from our Proposed Action. Possible mitigation efforts may include employee-oriented transportation services, new bicycle trails, and intersection improvements.

With every aspect of our planning, we endeavor to preserve, enrich, and perpetuate the native Hawaiian culture as much as possible. Additionally, we strive to extend opportunities to the community for fellowship and cultural practice. In trying to accomplish all these goals, we will explore all viable options and alternatives to address significant impacts such as increased vehicular traffic.

In previous updates to the North Shore community, we discussed the commission of a Supplemental Archaeological Inventory Statement, the revision of the Master Plan of Turtle Bay Resort to respect the history and culture of the Turtle Bay lands, our plans in improving the unique North Shore Bays, and our efforts in preserving and maintaining access to Turtle Bay Resort’s rugged coastline. All of our previous updates are available at www.turtlebayseis.com.

This update features our proposed hotel developments within the Hanaka‘oe Ahupua‘a. The Hanaka‘oe Ahupua‘a is proposed as the physical and economic center of the Turtle Bay Lands. Currently, existing resort facilities are concentrated in this area around Kuilima Point. Our Proposed Action will place all future hotel development in the Hanaka‘oe Ahupua‘a as well as within walking distance of existing facilities.

Our proposal has two hotel sites in mind. The first site, referenced as H-1,will be west of the existing beach cottages and is bisected by a central Gathering Place (you may log onto www.turtlebayseis.com to view the Proposed Action maps of designated development sites). Although many possibilities exist with respect to the ultimate design, we are limiting options to a maximum of 375 units and a maximum height of 90 feet. The second site, H-2,, which will be the development area east of the Ocean Villas (primary condominium units) and will include a 250-unit property with a maximum height of 70 feet. Both sites are intended to offer full service hotels. Depending on the eventual ownership structure (condominium-hotel, traditional hotel or timeshare) there is provision for up to 375 additional keys representing lock-off units – where one unit can have two keys.

The Gathering Place is intended to be a vibrant activity and hospitality center welcoming local communities to enjoy Turtle Bay’s spectacular setting together with its visitors. Set on approximately ten acres, we anticipate open space to represent about 90% of the total area of the Gathering Place. With every aspect of our planning, we endeavor to preserve, enrich, and perpetuate the native Hawaiian culture as much as possible. Additionally, we strive to extend opportunities to the community for community fellowship and cultural practice. This will be central to our future programming of the Gathering Place.

Recently, we received approval from SHPD to proceed with the SAIS.

You may see a copy of the letter below.

Elaborating on our previous updates of the various ahupua‘a divisions and bays of Turtle Bay Resort, this update will provide an in depth look at preserving and maintaining access to Turtle Bay Resort’s rugged coastline, one of the natural beauties of the North Shore. We believe it is our kuleana to preserve and protect this environmentally and culturally important resource. With this in mind, our proposal as outlined in the draft Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement (SEIS) Preparation Notice includes the building of Kawela Bay, Turtle Bay, Hanaka‘ilio, and Kaihalulu Parks, all of which will enhance the Turtle Bay lands as well as increase shoreline access to visitors, residents, and guests. You may log onto www.turtlebayseis.com to see the map of the parks.

Starting from the west side of the Turtle Bay lands with Kawela Bay, our proposal includes the construction of a Kawela Bay Park, which will include parking, showers, and a comfort station. Kawela Bay Park will provide ample space for visitors and community members to enjoy the beach as well as picnic area and tables.

Heading east, Turtle Bay Park will have typical park facilities and will also feature an outdoor amphitheater and small stage; this venue will have the flexibility to host events of differing sizes. When the venue is not being used for public performances, it’ll be available to a local hula halau. And, at other times, the amphitheater will serve as an intimate setting for concerts of both local and nationally recognized artists. We will be enriching the park’s cultural focus through planting native plants and landscaping, and the inclusion of a traditional canoe hale (house).

Kaihalulu Beach Park, conveniently situated in the center of Kuilima Bay and at the outlet of the rerouted Kawela Stream, will provide resort guests and community members easy access to Kaihalulu Beach. The park will be a perfect complement to the Hanaka‘oe Ahupua‘a, which is proposed as the physical and economic center of the Turtle Bay Lands as well as the site for all future hotel development.

Near the most eastern edge of the Turtle Bay lands, Hanaka‘ilio Beach Park will include Kahuku Point, a place of rich cultural heritage. We seek to maintain the open space and passive nature of this park and will include parking, showers, and a comfort station. Additionally, development at Hanaka‘ilio Beach Park will be focused on restoration of indigenous vegetation.

With every aspect of our Proposed Action, we endeavor to preserve, enrich, and perpetuate the native Hawaiian culture as much as possible. Additionally, we strive to continue providing the community access to the beautiful coastline and beaches while also extending opportunities for leisure, community fellowship, and cultural practice, offered in venues like the amphitheater.

Turtle Bay Resort is home to three distinct North Shore Bays: Kawela Bay, Turtle Bay, and Kuilima Bay. The water quality in these areas has been studied regularly for the past twenty years and turbidity (presence of sediment) continues to be a persistent problem in the eastern extreme of Kawela Bay. Our Proposed Action includes rerouting Kawela Stream which will return it to the approximate location of its historical channel.

During the plantation era, Kawela Stream was diverted into Kawela Bay, from its natural outlet into Turtle Bay, for irrigation purposes. While Turtle Bay has strong currents that quickly flush stream borne sediment out to sea, this is not the case with Kawela Bay. The offshore reefs that protect Kawela Bay from the forces of the ocean limit water circulation within the bay and inhibit sediment dispersion. With every heavy rain, the sediments in the bay increases and is often slow to dissipate.

Our Proposed Action of rerouting Kawela Stream is anticipated to have a significant favorable impact on the water quality in Kawela Bay because the source of much of the sediment load entering the bay will be removed. Furthermore, it is anticipated that with time, sediment on the floor of the bay will eventually flush out to sea.

Our goal is to improve near-shore water quality. Short-term impacts will include some water quality degradation resulting from short-term construction activities, operational impacts pertaining to storm runoff and drainage control. These impacts are not anticipated to be significant because best management practices will continue to be employed during operational activities and anticipated construction activities. The possibility of significant adverse impacts will be outlined in the Draft Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement (SEIS).

Furthermore, although a 1986 Special Management Area Use Permit allows for the development of up to 1,000 hotel units in the Opana-Kawela ahupua‘a (you may view the map at http://turtlebayseis.com/the-plan/resort-plan/), because of strong public sentiment in preserving Kawela Bay, our Proposed Action includes two projects with a total of 225 resort residential units in an area of approximately 60 acres. No Hotels. Additionally, all buildings will be set back a minimum of 300 feet from the certified shoreline from Kawela Bay and along the shoreline east of Kawela Point, all buildings will be set back a minimum of 150 feet.

You may log onto www.turtlebayseis.com for more details about the SEIS Preparation Notice and more details of our Proposed Action.

This article is the first in a series of updates to the North Shore community about the ongoing progress of Turtle Bay Resort’s draft Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement (SEIS) Preparation Notice. This series will include in-depth highlights of particular components of the expansion plan. For more information about Turtle Bay Resort’s SEIS, please log onto www.turtlebayseis.com.

As part of its efforts in preparing a SEIS for the Turtle Bay Resort Expansion Project, the resort owners have voluntarily authorized a Supplemental Archaeological Inventory Statement (SAIS) to be conducted on the property. This survey will supplement numerous surveys that have previously been completed.

The purpose of the SAIS is to determine whether areas proposed for ground-disturbing activities (grading, trenching, or excavation) contain previously undetected cultural resources in the form of archaeological features, cultural artifacts, or burials. A series of test trenches will be carefully excavated over two hundred acres of land by a team of professional archaeologists. A plan has been submitted to the State Department of Land and Natural Resources’ Historic Preservation Division (SHPD) for approval and no SAIS test excavations will begin until the plan is approved.

In preparation of the SAIS approval, a cultural practitioner has already surveyed the land to ensure that no endangered species of plants or birds will be disturbed and initial work to remove tree and plants in these areas are currently underway.

Once the SAIS plan is approved, the excavation will take approximately three months. All excavation will be done under the supervision of the archaeological team. If any archaeological or cultural materials are discovered during the test excavations, the findings will be documented and evaluated. Any findings will be preserved in place while a plan to address the findings are prepared and submitted to SHPD for approval. A final report on all test excavations will be presented in the draft SEIS.

The comment period for the SEIS Preparation Notice expired last week and we are now sorting through the many questions and comments that were submitted.

The Turtle Bay team will be using all of this input to help shape the work to be undertaken during this next phase of the process. We continue to target early 2012 for the presentation of our Draft SEIS. This is when we will have the objective, third-party studies to address the areas of concern that many people have identified. As promised on the 15th, we will schedule another public open house to share that information.