This morning, President Obama created the largest ecologically protected area on the planet when he expanded a national marine monument off the coast of his native Hawaii to encompass more than half a million square miles.

The president more than quadrupled the size of the Papahanaumokuakea  Marine National Monument to 582,578 square miles of land and sea in the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands.

President George W. Bush established the monument a decade ago, but Obama’s action Friday underscores the high priority he has placed on issues of conservation and climate change in his second term. The president has now used his executive authority under the 1906 Antiquities Act to protect more than 548 million acres of federal land and water, more than double the set-asides of any of his predecessors.

Many scientists, environmentalists and Native Hawaiians have argued for more stringent protections for the biologically rich region, given important deep-water discoveries in the area and the dual threats of climate change and sea-bed mining.

 “The oceans are the untold story when it comes to climate change, and we have to feel a sense of urgency when it comes to protecting the ocean that sustains us,” said Sen. Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii), who helped broker a compromise with groups including Native Hawaiians and day-boat fishermen. 

In his official proclamation, Obama declared, “It is in the public interest to preserve the marine environment.”

All commercial extraction activities, including fishing and future deep-sea mining, will be prohibited in the expanded monument area. However, recreational fishing, removal of resources for traditional Hawaiian cultural purposes and scientific research will be allowed with a federal permit.

With Friday’s action, seven presidents — starting with Theodore Roosevelt in 1909 — have taken steps to safeguard parts of the archipelago, which is one of the most biologically diverse areas in the world. It is the planet’s largest seabird gathering site, with more than 14 million birds from 22 species, and is home to nearly all Laysan albatrosses and the remaining endangered Hawaiian monk seals.

Reside Kauai, LLC is pleased to welcome Agent Nancy Williams to our team!

Nancy first visited Kauai in 1992 and knew from that very first visit that she would live on Kauai.  Over the next 20 years Nancy returned to Kauai again and again, until finally (and happily!) moving to Kauai in 2012.

After successfully launching the first on-line honeymoon registry company, HoneyLuna.com in 1996, and successfully pioneering this new industry for 12 years Nancy sold her company and spent the next 7 years in Business Development for a technology company.   Nancy’s experience running her own company, selling technology and servicing her clients in the hospitality industry instilled in her a deep since of responsibility for her clients.  She is applying these business skills in her real estate career.

In addition, Nancy’s entrepreneurial spirit, her outgoing personality and her passion for the island of Kauai make her a great advocate and resource for those looking to move to Kauai, as well as for those already living on Kauai but looking for a new home. 

Nancy is a photographer, a SCUBA Dive Master, avid hiker, a competitive outrigger canoe paddler for the Hanalei Canoe Club, gardener and aspiring surfer.   These passions and activities give Nancy a great appreciation for all that Kauai has to offer.

Living on Kauai is Nancy’s dream come true.  She is excited to share her passion for Kauai, her insights, and her knowledge of Kauai with her clients.

Kaua‘i Island Utility Cooperative (KIUC) has reached more than 40 percent renewable generation during 2016 and is on track to burn almost 10 million gallons less oil than it did in 2006, said David Bissell, president and chief executive officer.

 Speaking at KIUC’s 14th annual meeting of cooperative members yesterday at Kaua‘i Community College, Chairman Jan TenBruggencate, said that KIUC remains on target to reach its strategic goal to produce 50 percent of its power by renewable sources by 2023. 

TenBruggencate said that KIUC is leading the way in using renewables to generate electricity.

Strategic Planning Committee Chair Dennis Esaki announced that KIUC is working on updating its strategic plan in light of the State’s 100 percent renewable energy goal.

Bissell also thanked Kauai’s legislative delegation, particularly Senate President Ron Kouchi for passing legislation that saves KIUC members $4 million per year. The legislation states that fuel burned at KIUC’s Kapaia Power Station is not subject to state highway use taxes.

Karissa Jonas, chief financial officer stated, “KIUC members paid $36 million less for electricity in 2015 compared to 2014 as a result of a shift to more renewable energy and lower global oil prices.”

Other highlights of the meeting included:

• Working on developing two new dispatchable solar projects. Combined, the projects could provide another 15 percent of the island’s energy.
• Lowering its greenhouse gas emission levels to below 1990 levels during 2016 due to the renewable projects that were recently brought online including the Anahola and Koloa solar arrays and Green Energy biomass project.
• Refinanced $130 million of original acquisition debt. The refinancing was done with National Rural Utilities Cooperative Finance Corporation (NRUCFC) and reduces interest expense by $1.2 million a year and more than $10 million over the life of the loan.
• Installed a new customer information system. The system includes a “SmartHub” in which members can view their energy usage online and also gives those who register the option to pay their bills online.
• Continued work on seabird mitigation efforts. KIUC is spending more than $2.5 million yearly on its efforts.
• Exploring rate design efforts to ensure equitable treatment amongst members.

Members who attended the meeting received information about saving on their electric bills by installing solar water heating, air conditioning and fan replacement rebate, LED bulbs, a reusable shopping bag, bag of rice and a chili and rice bowl.

KIUC is a member-owned cooperative serving 33,000 customers on the island of Kaua‘i. Governed by a nine-member, elected board of directors, KIUC is one of 900 electric co-ops serving more than 42 million people in 47 states.

Reside Kauai, LLC is proud to support and participate in the 7^th Annual Na Pali Race!

The Na Pali Race is an an elite paddle race and charity event where participants come from around the world to participate in this one of a kind race, in the ultimate setting- the 17 mile Na Pali Coast. This event starts at Haena  County Beach Park and finishes at Polihale State Park.

Throughout the years the Na Pali Race has contributed thousands of dollars to the Na Pali Coast ‘Ohana who protect and preserve the natural and cultural resources of the Na Pali Coast State Park. We are looking forward to continuing our donation and are grateful for your support for our event. 

There are still opportunities for late registration. Late registration is an additional $40 per person solo, $25 per person on teams and accepted until Friday August 5, 5 pm.

Entry fees are $110 solo, $75 per person OC-2, $75 per person 3 team mix SUP, 3 person Holopuni $75 per person.

The event schedule under normal weather conditions is as follows:

Haena Beach Park
11:00 am rules and safety
11:30 am Pule
12:00 pm first race
12:20 pm main SUP and Paddleboard race
12:40 OC-1/2 and Surfski race 
1:00 pm Holopuni Sailing Canoe race

For more information, please visit http://napalirace.com/

This past Saturday PBR Hawaii hosted an open house for Kauai residents to voice their opinions, concerns and needs for the proposed Ha’ena State Park Master Plan.

Residents voiced concerns regarding plans disrupting existing taro fields and trees, as well as the need for educational stations for visitors to assist with monk seal, wildlife and reef preservation.

PBR Hawaii, a Landscape Architecture, Land Planning, Environmental Studies, and Graphic Design firm based in Hawai’i for more than 45 years is working with State Parks and the Ha’ena community to refine and adopt a park master plan for Haena State Park. As one of the State’s and Kauai’s most visited parks, it is also home to significant cultural, historic, natural and scenic resources as well as the entry point for the popular Kalalau Trail. The project builds upon previous park planning efforts with greater focus on the importance of Ha’ena in Hawaiian culture and attempts to tackle the parking and traffic problems. The park’s popularity with visitors along with its cultural and historic significance requires a plan that protects the park’s rich and varied resources as well as balances the sometimes conflicting ecological, cultural and recreational uses.

The new plan outlines a single entry, controlled access park with hours from 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. with entry fees of $5 per car, or $1 per person. According to the master plan revisions summary from DLNR, the goal is to reduce use to 900 persons per day during controlled access hours.

According to the new plan, parking with a little more than 100 spaces would be in two designated areas — one for fee-paying park users (non-residents) and one for fee-exempt park users. 

Fee-paying park users would be allowed to enter the park only if they have a pre-paid entry receipt, and that would apply to any type of entry — bikes, shuttle, arriving on foot or via vehicle.

The plan is also to close the existing road, Route 560, from the park entry point — which is near the present parking lot — to the parking area at Ke’e, and replace it with a pedestrian path. Limited use of the existing road would be allowed for authorized personnel, such as lifeguards, emergency responders and parks staff.

The park entry area will include a turnaround, shuttle bus stop, a 20-by-30 welcome hale, and restrooms.

The Kilauea Neighborhood Association approved the plan to subdivide 120 acres on the Kilauea Plateau last Wednesday evening.However, the group wants a voice when it comes to developing the eight planned parcels. 

In a the special meeting attended by a about 30 people, the KNA voted unanimously to support the subdivision subject to KNA representation in establishing what they deem an adequate set of conditions formulated over the next few months that would help secure the best interests of Kilauea Town.

The subdivision conversation was sparked, for the fourth time over the past few years, because Kauai Community Federal Credit Union wants to build a new branch in Kilauea, across the street from the post office.

A representative from the KNA said most Kilauea residents would welcome a bank in their neck of the woods, but there’s a catch. In order to sell the half-acre piece of land to KCFCU, the landowner, Bill Haye, has to subdivide the entire 120-acre property, located on the western half of the Kilauea Plateau.

This subdivision would provide parcels that could be added into the county’s general plan as potential things that could happen for Kilauea.

Haye representative Andy Friend said Haye has no plans to change the land’s use up too much because he’s working a “true farm” on the land and “he’s expanding.”

He also said none of the parcels that require access through the planned Kilauea bypass road would be sold until the road is created.

The plan is to dedicate half an acre piece for the Credit Union that would be dedicated for the potential Kilauea bypass feeder road, a piece would be set aside for a multi-use path, and five of the large pieces would be set aside for current or planned farming.

Two pieces on either side of the potential bypass road and closest to Kilauea town could potentially be sites for housing construction.

He explained the next step is now for Haye and the county to make an agreement on the conditions of the subdivision, which is the conversation in which KNA wants representation    

Come out and enjoy Koloa Plantation Days in Koloa and Poipu this week!!!

Koloa Plantation Days is held annually on Kauai’s south shore every year in July. 

Koloa Plantation Days are held in the area where Hawaii’s first sugar plantation was founded in 1835. It is d a lively, family-oriented slate of events that showcase the area’s social history, its natural history, and its diverse cultural traditions. In addition, numerous events allow attendees to enjoy the sports activities and entertainment available at the gracious resorts in the Poipu and Koloa area. Most events are outdoors and free of charge. 

Koloa Plantation Days celebrates the immigrants who came from Philippines, Europe, the Azores, Japan, Korea, China, and elsewhere who contributed traditions, music, dances, and foods to the rich melting pot that is Hawaii. You’ll experience these cultures throughout the week from the first walk down Hapa Trail and a rodeo weekend featuring paniolo culture, through a variety of live music events and cultural performances, a historic exhibit and film night, craft fairs, culinary demonstrations and tasting events, Polynesian revue, and the historic parade and park celebration which brings all these elements together. 

SCHEDULE OF EVENTS

Friday, July 22nd, 2016

17th Annual Plantation Days Rodeo
Preliminary Roping
Free Admission
8:30am, CJM Stables Details »

Bull Bash, 5th Annual Music in the Country: Food Truck Frenzy & Barrel Racing
5pm, CJM Stables rodeo arena Details »   

Saturday, July 23rd, 2016

St. Raphael’s Church, 8am come early for pre-walk coffee hour and visit
8am, St. Raphael's Church Details »

Historic Hapa Trail Walk
9am, Departing from St. Raphael's Church Details »   

17th Annual Plantation Days Rodeo
Two full days of Hawaiian Style Rodeo Action
11am, CJM Stables Details »  

Keiki Fishing at Waita
1pm, Waita Reservoir Details »  

Festival Opening & Sunset Ho'olaulea
5pm, Poipu Beach Athletic Club Details »  

Sunday, July 24th, 2016

Miniature Golf Tournament
10am, Lawai Beach Resort Details »   

17th Annual Plantation Days Rodeo
Two full days of Hawaiian Style Rodeo Action
11am, CJM Stables Details »   

Mixed Plate - Live Music
5pm, Old Koloa Town Courtyard (behind Crazy Shirts) Details »

Monday, July 25th, 2016

View Kaneiolouma at Poipu
9am, At the Poipu Beach Park turnoff Details »

Plantation-Style Living: An Open House at the Historic Smith Memorial Parsonage
4pm, The Smith Memorial Parsonage, 3281 Waikomo Road, K?loa Details »

Historic Film Night and Exhibit
6pm, The Shops at Kukui`ula Details »  

Tuesday, July 26th, 2016

Koloa Plantation Days Heritage Craft Fair
9am, Grand Hyatt Resort & Spa Details »   

Historic Tour of McBryde Garden and Talk Story
5pm, National Tropical Botanical Garden Details »

Wednesday, July 27th, 2016

Mahaulepu Coastal Hike
9:30am, Meet at CJM Stables at 9am. Details »   

Traditional Hawaiian Games
10am, Kiahuna Plantation Resort by Outrigger Details »  

Plantation Cooking at Kauai Culinary Market
3:30pm, The Shops at Kukui`ula Details » 

Thursday, July 28th, 2016

Look Back Through the Sugar Era
9am, Old Koloa Mill Details »   

Plantation Days Putting Contest
2pm, Poipu Bay Resort Golf Club Details »   

Talk Story: Sweet Memories of Old Koloa
4:30pm, Koloa Missionary Church Details »   

Friday, July 29th, 2016

Watercolor Class at Mahaulepu
9am, Meet at Kawailoa Bay Details »  

Old Plantation Fun & Games
9am, Southside Sports Center Details »

Old Koloa Town Historical Walk
5:30pm, Koloa School Details »

Flavors of Kukui`ula
5:30pm, The Shops at Kukui`ula Details »

Saturday, July 30th, 2016

Annual Historic Koloa Plantation Days Parade
10am, Koloa School to Anne Knudsen Ballpark Details »   

Annual Park Celebration
10am, Anne Knudsen (Koloa) Ballpark Details »   

Polynesian Revue & Fire Dancing
7:30pm, Courtyard at Poipu Shopping Village Details »   

The Jack Nicklaus designed golf course, is undergoing a multimillion-dollar renovation.

The upgrades include substantial improvements to the course, an expansion of its practice facility and the development of a new clubhouse.

Timbers Resorts, one of the largest independent developers and operators of private boutique resorts and residence clubs in the United States, is the developer of the overall unfinished Kauai Lagoons master-planned oceanfront community. It will include 468 units in a mix of oceanfront and golf course homes, condominium units, hotel and townhomes. Hokuala — A Timbers Resort, a 450-acre project that will also include a retail shopping village, multiple restaurants, pools and wedding venues, is a multiphase development that is expected to cost between $750 million and $800 million.

The upgrade of the front nine holes of the golf course follows renovations previously made to the back nine, including new putting greens and silica sand bunkers. 

The Ocean Course at Hokuala, formerly known as the Kiele Course at Kauai Lagoons Golf Club, is scheduled to reopen in November. While the front nine renovations are being completed, the club has introduced a new scorecard for the back nine holes with alternate tee boxes for those looking to play a full round of 18 holes.

Chapel at the Coco Palms Resort 

The long-awaited demolition of the historic Coco Palms finally began last Thursday, a first step in the targeted 2017 reopening as a Hyatt resort.  

More than two decades have passed since Hurricane Iniki passed over the islands, destroying the Coco Palms resort. Two years ago, a fire caused even more damaged to the tattered resort.

The demolishing won't be so simple. Developers Chad Waters and Tyler Greene with Coco Palms Hui, LLC say they are trying to save as many relics of the original resort, such as the first footprint, square footage and site plan, through selective demolition. Their goal is to honor the past while celebrating the future. 

The total renovation is projected to cost $135 million, which will be used for a 350 key hotel, three restaurants, banquet facilities and more on a 46 acre lot of land.

Developers also say construction and operation of the hotel will create 1,800 direct and indirect jobs.

Article courtesy of KIUC Press Release:

The Hawai‘i Public Utilities Commission has approved two projects that will enable Kaua‘i Island Utility Cooperative (KIUC) to use renewable resources to generate 50 percent of Kaua‘i’s electricity by the end of the decade.

The two projects represent the latest in technology – a unique solar plus energy storage system – as well as the time-tested value and reliability of hydroelectricity.

The power purchase agreements approved by the PUC are:

• SolarCity solar array plus Tesla battery storage system. The project is believed to be the first utility scale solar array and battery storage system in the U.S. to provide dispatchable solar energy for use hours after sunset.Under a 20-year contract between KIUC and SolarCity, the Tesla Powerpack lithium-ion battery storage system will feed up to 13 megawatts of electricity onto the grid to “shave” the amount of conventional power generation needed to meet peak demand in the evening from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m.
• Gay & Robinson hydroelectric project. Gay & Robinson, a 152-year-old kama‘aina landowner on Kaua‘i’s westside, plans to build a 6-megawatt hydroelectric plant below its existing 1.3-megawatt plant on the Olokele Ditch and sell power to KIUC under a 25-year contract. The project is the first new utilityscale hydroelectric plant to be built on Kaua‘i in more than 80 years. When completed in 2019, the project will reduce KIUC’s oil consumption by 1.4 million gallons a year.

The SolarCity project and the G & R hydro project will each contribute about 5 percent of the electricity generated by renewable resources on Kaua‘i. “No one thinks oil will stay cheap forever, so we’re not backing off on our strategy to diversify our portfolio of renewables as quickly and cost-effectively as possible,” said David Bissell, president and CEO of KIUC. Renewable resources are now nearly 40 percent of KIUC’s fuel mix for generating electricity, up from 8 percent in 2010. KIUC’s strategic plan calls for the cooperative to use renewable resources to generate at least 50 percent of its electricity by 2023. The cooperative is on track to reach that goal by 2019.