This article is the fourth in a series of updates to the North Shore News community about the ongoing progress of Turtle Bay Resort’s draft Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement (SEIS) Preparation Notice and the Revised Plan (Revised Plan). Turtle Bay Resort (TBR) has the unique opportunity to honor and respect these lands and community by incorporating traditional Hawaiian cultural values into its environmental review process, planning and implementation of the Revised Plan. This series will focus on the critical cultural components of both the SEIS and Revised Plan. For more information and the latest news about Turtle Bay Resort’s SEIS, please log onto www.turtlebayseis.com.
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.