The SEIS Lands lie within the historical ahupua‘a of Kahuku, Punalau, Ulupehupehu, ‘Ō‘io, Hanaka‘oe, Kawela, and ‘Ōpana within the Ko‘olau Loa District. Historically, these ahupua‘a were home to a vibrant native Hawaiian community that utilized the resources to sustain itself. During post-contact period, the area was used by the military, for ranching, and as an agricultural plantation. It was during the imminent closure of the plantation that the Kahuku community initiated discussions to transition from a plantation community to a resort development.
The supplemental environmental impact study SEIS will include the preparation of a Cultural Impact Assessment in order to identify valuable cultural resources in the project area, evaluate the impacts of the proposed project on these valuable resources, and finally to develop appropriate mitigation measures to ensure these valuable resources are preserved and protected to every extent possible, consistent with Act 50, 2000 Hawai‘i Session Laws.