Even more vitally, severe concerns exist - the land conceals historical anthrax burial sites. Over the years, the tranquility and natural beauty of this land have been a source of peace and comfort to the many visitors and residents of Princeville. Now, the threat of development by Starwood Capital Group, owners of the 1Hotel, looms large, foreshadowing a great violation of this sacred space and possible anthrax infection.

Every foot of this verdant protective expanse lost to concrete is a hit to the North Shore community and a reckless approach to our environment and residents. Experts have stated the dangers of disturbing anthrax burial sites, which can lead to the re-emergence of spores and potentially lethal health risks.

The Makai Woods Golf Course was designed to explicitly cover known cattle burial sites from the 20th century anthrax outbreak that killed hundreds of livestock before it was finally contained.

This petition fights for the right to preserve Princeville's open space and protect resident's health as we believe the original developers envisioned.

We urge Starwood Capital Group and our local authorities to halt Starwood's development on these precious lands. For our environment, for our community, for our future, we beseech you all to sign this petition. Your support gives strength to our cause and helps keep Princeville's original Master Plan with the Makai Golf Course lands as they were intended to be: open and free from anthrax.

Mahalo nui loa.
-SOS Hui

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• Mr. Barry Sternlicht - CEO & Founder, Starwood Capital Group, owners of 1Hotel (sternlichtl@starwood.com)
• Mr. Derek Kawakami - Mayor of Kauai County (mayor@kauai.gov)
• Mr. Mel Rapozo - Chair, Kauai County Council (councilmembers@kauai.gov)
• Mr. Francis DeGracia - Chair, Kauai County Planning Commission (planningdepartment@kauai.gov)
• Mr. Kaʻāina S. Hull - Director, Kauai Planning Department (planningdepartment@kauai.gov)
• Ms. Patti Thiele - Chair, Princeville at Hanalei Community Association Board of Directors (board@pcaonline.org)

"Do not allow the degradation of Princeville by Starwood Capitol. Too much traffic on our roads already."

"There is NO "sensible development plan" where there is a risk of digging up anthrax. It is worth questioning, why is Starwood so desperate to shut up Mulls and Whites and the many concerned community members. Real leadership doesn't insult concerned neighbors or try to steamroll public input. Real leadership listens, investigates, and protects the people it claims to serve."

"I wholeheartedly agree that the anthrax burial grounds should never be disturbed, as this would be detrimental to all in our community. I"

"All of beautiful Hanalei Bay is being threatened by the development of the golf course. Rain run off goes down to the wetlands fronting the beach next to the One Hanalei Hotel. These wetlands empty into the ocean and the Hanalei river mouth currents will take the water southwards towards the Hanalei Pier and then into the middle of the Bay. If the development exposes anthrax the ecology of this Bay will be altered in a horrible manner. If people need to be reminded of the detrimental outcome in a financial manner: The hotel will be worthless from beach contamination. No one will want to swim at the beach, because every animal, fish and frogs, turtles, bugs and mammals in the wetlands will die and pollute the area. Property values will plummet. The retail and f&b outlets that have never experienced a recession will go out of business from lack of visitors. Nobody will want to live in Princeville or Hanalei. Property values will plummet. So from a financial point of view it’s negative."

"This would be devastating for Princeville and destroy the precious wildlife"

"No more building"

"I really can’t understand what the problem is. The anthrax is buried on the Maki golf course & every knows this. If they let them dig up that property it will be a disaster for the whole community. Let us pray???? that this attempt will not go through because of some Greedy developers. Stop this NOW!!!! ????????????????"

"We do not support Starwood developing our green open space!"

"My family and I use the woods open space every single day. It would be a huge loss to this community and the animals if it were destroyed."

"I stand with the Princeville community in opposing Starwood Capital Group’s reckless development plans on the Makai Woods Golf Course. This land holds historical anthrax burial sites—disturbing them poses serious public health risks. It was never meant for development; it’s sacred open space, intentionally protected in Princeville’s original master plan. Kaua‘i is already facing water shortages, overwhelmed infrastructure, and unsustainable tourism. We do not need more luxury housing—we need affordable homes for local families, especially those of Hawaiian heritage. Starwood doesn’t live here. Their motivation is profit, not community. This is corporate greed, plain and simple—and lives are at stake. We must protect our ‘āina, our health, and our future. Preserve the Makai lands. Honor Princeville’s vision. Stop extractive development and stand for a Kaua‘i where community and stewardship come first."

"We have owned our condo in Pu'u Po'a since 1999, our zip there is 96722. We are deeply concerned about what is going on in Princeville! As part time residents, it is very disturbing and we support your efforts 100%."

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