BREAKING NEWS: Kauaʻi Community Mobilizes to Protect Wailuanui
Wailuanui, the land where the former Coco Palms Hotel once stood, is a wahi kapu (sacred site) for Kānaka Maoli and Kauaʻi residents.
As the site of the former Coco Palms Hotel moves to public auction, community members fear development on the site is imminent. I Ola Wailuanui, a Kauaʻi-led community organization, was surprised to hear of this news. The group has been working to preserve the parcels and protect the land's cultural and natural resources.
I Ola Wailuanui 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.
I Ola Wailuanui Goals
1) To honor the special history of this place as the religious, political and social headquarters for old Kauaʻi.
2) Creating a thriving Hawaiian cultural and education center, agricultural park, and community resource for generations to come.
3) Providing a place for Kānaka Maoli and local residents of all backgrounds to gather, reconnect with this sacred place, honor Hawaiian culture and learn from its history.
5) Restoring important native wetland habitats that will benefit our native birds and threatened coastal ecosystems.
6) Fully engaging the Kauaʻi community to shape and finalize the vision. This will allow I Ola Wailuanui to move forward, secure funding, and make this dream a reality.
Interested in supporting?
Please e-mail I ola Wailuanui at IOlaWailuanui@gmail.com
