Community Mobilizes to Protect Wailuanuiahoʻāno
Community Mobilizes to Protect Wailuanuiahoʻāno
As the Site of the Former Coco Palms Hotel Moves to Public Auction, Community Members Fear Another Move to Develop the Site is Imminent
I Ola Wailuanui, a community organization led by Kauaʻi residents, was surprised to hear the land where the former Coco Palms Hotel once stood is quickly moving to public auction. The group has been working to put together the resources to preserve the parcels and protect the cultural and natural resources located on the lands.
“The land, traditionally known as Wailuanuiahoano, is a wahi kapu, or sacred site, to Native Hawaiians and Kauaʻi residents,” explained Pua Rossi-Fukino.
The Hawaiian community stands in solidarity against the development of any hotel on the former Coco Palms Hotel parcels and puts the county, the state and the developer on notice that no hotel will ever be constructed on this site.
The group provided a statement:
“We are committed to supporting a collaborative community-based effort that ensures that the only future development of this property is its conversion to a thriving cultural, educational and community space that honors the rich history of this place, both ancient and modern.
We firmly believe that a resort development is not suitable at this site, not wanted by our community, and that there is wide and passionate opposition to the establishment of another hotel in this location. The time has come to turn this space into an environment that benefits our community and honors the significant Hawaiian history and archeological features of this ʻāina.
Our working group is reaching out to community members, especially to those with lineal ties to the Wailuanuiahoano area and a passion for Hawaiian and ʻāina based restoration, to join the conversation in developing a common community-based vision that will direct all future development.
The site is incredibly rich in historical and cultural significance, and is the birthplace of kings and queens. I Ola Wailuanui will honor the iwi kūpuna (ancestors) that are buried on the site along with the culturally significant ancient loko iʻa (fishpond) which is thought to be over 600 years old and was maintained and used into the 1930s.”
The primary aim is to honor the special history of this place as the religious, political and social headquarters for old Kauaʻi. The broader vision includes the creation of a thriving Hawaiian cultural & education center, agricultural park and community resource for generations to come.
As we grow as a society to truly value our indigenous foodways and land management, the restoration of critical food infrastructure, such as the loko iʻa and former loʻi on these grounds, is a critical part of the future of our people, and an example for the world.
The project would provide a place for Hawaiians and local residents of all backgrounds to gather, reconnect with this sacred place, honor the Hawaiian culture and learn from its history.
The I Ola Wailuanui vision also includes the restoration of important native wetland habitat that will benefit our native birds and threatened coastal ecosystems. The restoration of the wetland system will help mitigate flooding issues in Wailua and work with our changing coastal environment to restore and preserve critical endangered species habitat.
The vision can include significant opportunities for the advancement of Hawaiian craft, language, music, hula, cultural practices and traditional games. The site could house a canoe hale, restored native gardens, places for health and healing, gathering, education and environmental restoration.
The potential and possibilities are profound. I Ola Wailunui’s goal is to fully engage our community to shape and finalize the vision, and move forward in securing the funding to make this dream a reality.
The I Ola Wailuanui Working Group, together with many other residents from across Kauaʻi oppose the development of another resort on the site of the former Coco Palms Hotel.
“We are hopeful that others that share this vision and are capable of making this a reality through foundations, funding programs and donations will step forward to help establish this shared vision for the restoration of this incredibly sacred and culturally significant site”, said Fern Ānuenue Holland. “Working together, we can ensure that this very special place is returned to the community and that it grows into a place of inspiration, conservation, and agricultural abundance that honors the history and culture upon which it is founded.”
Individuals, local organizations, nonprofits, government entities, and private philanthropists who are interested in supporting such a community vision are invited to join in the conversation by emailing us at: IOlaWailuanui@gmail.com
People can show support for this vision via change.org here: bit.ly/wailuanui