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Media & Events

This page contains Media and Event information pertaining to the potential development of the open space in Princeville, Kauai HI, by the private investment firm, Starwood Capital Group.

Meetings & Events
10/23/23 - Results and Thoughts on the 2023 PHCA Board Elections
The property owners of Princeville 1 voted for this year's 2 open positions on the PHCA Board of Directors. Find out who won and importantly where the source of the votes came from.
1/5/23 - Kaua‘i Mayor Derek Kawakami's inauguration speech held Dec 1, 2022.
"Gone are the days of parading around paradise to one and all. For those of us who are privileged enough to call this island home, we have a responsibility to care for it. And for those who wish to visit, there will be ground rules. Because here on Kauai, we take our shoes off at the door and we leave a light footprint."
3/31/22 - Summary of the 3/17/22 PHCA Board Meeting
J.D. Hansen chosen as new BoD member, Starwood Capital transplanting Kukui trees to 1Hotel entrance, Michael Cole's presentation regarding ongoing Hawaiian Village (Waimaumau park) alternatives.
12/7/21 - Mayor Kawakami signed Bill 2838 on Dec. 2, 2021 into law. Glamping is no more!
Mayor Kawakami signed Bill 2838 on December 2, 2021 resulting in Ordinance 1105 prohibiting Developed Campgrounds (ie. glamping) on Open & Ag lands across Kaua‘i. Read about the details behind Bill 2838.
12/1/21 - The Kaua‘i County Council unanimously passes Bill 2838.
Having passed Bill 2838, the next step is for Mayor Kawakami to sign it into law. Once in law, it will prohibit Developed Campgrounds (ie. glamping) on zoned Open Space across all of Kaua‘i. This stops glamping in Princeville. Click this event's title to play a short video of the actual vote and passage of Bill 2838.
12/1/21 - Starwood Capital Group is planning on withdrawing their glamping permits application.
We received news Tuesday morning that Starwood Capital Group is planning to withdraw their glamping permits application on the Open-Zoned land, on Princeville’s Makai Woods Golf Course holes 1-3.
11/21/21 - Summary of 11/19/21 PHCA BoD Mtg & BoD petition to be "Intervenors" at Starwood's 12/14 Commission Hearing
PHCA decided to petition the Planning Commission to be included as “Intervenors” in Starwood Capital Group’s application to build the Developed Campground (aka “glamping”) on the Makai Golf Course. There's also a link to the full "Notice of Public Hearing Before The Planning Commission" letter sent to property owners within 300 ft. of the proposed "glamping" site by Starwood’s lawyers, Belles Graham LLP.
11/14/21 - PHCA Annual Mtg summary, Bill 2838 progress & Starwood/Planning Dept update
Here is the summary of the Saturday, November 6th PHCA Annual Meeting – a quick update on the legal side of the glamping/resort expansion, news on Bill 2838, Starwood Capital Group’s latest submission to the Planning Department, and filing of a Petition to Intervene in the fight against this proposed glamping development.

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Published Articles (The Garden Island, CivilBeat.org, Etc.)

4/24/21 - Celebrating Mother Earth
Written by a Princeville resident celebrating Earth Day, 2021.
Aloha,

Three Ways We’re Celebrating Earth Day in 2021

Just over a half decade ago, environmentalists from across the globe gathered to mark the first Earth Day. As public attention began to turn in earnest toward vital issues like water contamination, air pollution, and the implementation of environmental protection laws, society began to understand the fragile nature of our one and only home. Thanks in large part to the hard work and dedication of those that advocated for greener policies, we’re now beginning to make real change. Fast-forward to today and it’s estimated that more than 1 billion people from over 190 countries give their time and energy on Earth Day to engage in doing something healthy for the planet. Here in Princeville, we’re reminded every day of just how lucky we are to call such a treasured island home. But on this day, we’re going all in for the planet. Here’s how we’re planning to mark Earth Day.

We’re Going Surfing
We’d be crazy if we didn’t dance with Mother Nature on this special day. Swim, surf, walk the beach! Throw in the fact that there’s a northwest spring swell in the air, and it would be practically criminal not to surf on Earth Day. So with a happy smile and a face plastered with reef-safe sunscreen, we’re merrily going to get in the ocean on Earth Day. Wanna come with?

Bonus points if you spend 10 minutes after or before your session picking up trash on the beach.

We’re Sowing New Seeds
There’s something inherently rewarding about tending to a garden. With our idyllic climate, sowing your own seeds into a raised bed or into a handful of buckets in the backyard only makes sense. Not only will you have access to fresh basil, cilantro, and just about any other herb you can grow, but you’ll be left with the rewarding feeling of self-sufficiency. Simply put, when you grow your own food, it just tastes better. So this Earth Day, whether you have access to an expansive garden or just a humble planter outside your kitchen window, throw a few seeds into the dirt and relish as Mother Nature turns them into something delicious.

Bonus points if you use old jars or recycled mugs to germinate your seeds.

We’re Making a Commitment to Shop More at Local Farmers’ Markets
Luckily, we have a host of nearby farmers’ markets at our disposal to help us eat local and sustain the farmers, fishermen, and ranchers that serve as the backbone of our community. Eating locally sourced food has a wealth of benefits, including fresher, more nutrient-rich food due to significantly reduced shipping distances, all of which is beneficial to sustaining our local environment. To be sure, the ripple effects of eating local spreads fast and far. It’s a change for the better for you and the locale where you’re eating. From the Anaina Hou Farmers’ Market to the Hanalei Market (temporarily relocated to Princeville) or the Waipa Market, you’re in good hands when you shop at your local farmers’ market.

Bonus points if you bring a friend to the market and carpool.

Let’s be kind to Mother Earth every day, not just on Earth Day. Each one of us makes a difference with our actions. Open Space is vital to our Island and to the planet.

Mahalo nui loa!
SOSHui.org
4/24/21 - Celebrating Mother Earth
Written by a Princeville resident celebrating Earth Day, 2021.

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Past emails sent to the SOS Hui News email list

Email Templates for quickly sending emails
11/29/21 - Email Template supporting the 12/1/21 County Council's passage of Bill 2838
The Kauai County Council will have its second and last reading of Bill 2830 on Wed. Dec 1st, 2021 and voting to move it forward for signature by the Mayor. This is a template you can use to submit your support of the Council's voting for passage of Bill 2838.
9/5/21 - Email Template for the 9/14/21 Planning Commission expressing your support for Bill 2822.
The Kauai Planning Commission will hear public testimony on the merits of proposed Bill 2822 on Tuesday 9/14/21. The SOS Hui fully supports the Bill as it better defines "Developed Campgrounds" and specifically states that they are NOT ALLOWED in Open or Residential zoned areas. If Bill 2822 passes into law, it will make "glamping" illegal on Open zoned lands, which includes the Makai Golf Course. We have created an email template you can use to email your comments to the Planning Commission and the County Council.
7/1/21 - Email Template to the County Planning Commission expressing your support for Bill 2822.
The Kauai Planning Commission will hear public testimony on the merits of proposed Bill 2822 on 7/13/21. The SOS Hui fully supports the Bill as it better defines "Developed Campgrounds" and specifically states that they are NOT ALLOWED in Open or Residential zoned areas. If Bill 2822 passes into law, it will make "glamping" illegal on Open zoned lands, which includes the Makai Golf Course. We have created an email template you can use to email your comments to the Planning Commission.
7/1/21 - Email Template to the PHCA Board of Directors requesting they support County Bill 2822.
Please fill out the short email template and send it (or create your own) requesting the PHCA BoD support County Bill 2822 at the 7/13/21 County Planning Commission public hearing where it will be discussed and open to public testimony.
6/13/21 - Email Template to the PHCA BoD before their 6/16/21 Execute Meeting.
We believe the PHCA Board of Directors is planning to vote soon on whether to support Starwood Capital Group’s plans to expand the 1 Hotel resort onto the Makai Woods golf course and elsewhere. We ask all concerned Princeville citizens (PV-1 and PV- 2) to contact them asking them to save all Open Space and oppose this development plan. Use this short email template or write your own email to send to the PHCA Board of Directors before their 6/16/21 Executive Meeting.

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Surveys
1/1/21 - Results from the Dec 2020 PHCA Homeowners' Survey.
View the responses to each of the survey's questions. It appears to this writer that those willing to take the time to fill out the survey (782) are very much opposed to losing existing open space in Princeville. The final tally of (782) respondents exceeded by almost double what PHCA President Sam George noted at the prior meeting as being statistically significant to be a valid response. Take a moment and review the details.


Tourism & County Council Information

Tourism on Kaua‘i
2/5/21 - The Kaua‘i Destination Management Action Plan (DMAP)
The DMAP is a community-based plan, divided into three, year-long phases. There are 9 high-level actions with 34 sub-actions in Phase 1. This report highlights the collective initiatives in Phase 1.
11/8/16 - Don’t Ignore The Latest Version of Kauai’s ‘Bible’
The island’s proposed new General Plan is required reading for anyone truly interested in the future of the place.
By Luke Evslin (Civil Beat)
10/7/16 - Time To Put The Brakes On Tourism
With an economy predicated on the unlimited growth of tourism, we will never be able to take the hard steps necessary for economic diversification.
By Luke Evslin (Civil Beat)
9/28/16 - Excessive Tourism Seems To Be A Taboo Topic
Just one person — and not who you might expect — seemed willing to address the issue at the World Conservation Congress.
By Luke Evslin (Civil Beat)

Nov. 2022 County Council Candidates
9/17/22 - Nov. 8, 2022 Elections Guide (Civil Beat)
Hawaii’s 2022 Nov. 8th elections are right around the corner. Honolulu's Civil Beat magazine put together an election guide to help with candidate positions and more. Click the Election Guide to review Kauai's County Council candidates and their responses to a set of questions posed by Civil Beat.