Posted on: Saturday, March 24, 2001

Las Vegas group buys Amfac Kaua'i canefields

By Jan Tenbruggencate
Advertiser Kaua‘i Bureau

LIHU'E, Kaua'i ­ Amfac has sold its 464 acres of former sugarcane land between Hanama'ulu and the Wailua Golf Course to Las Vegas development group EWM Kauai LLC.

The sale, which closed March 19, was for $3.45 million. Amfac had been asking $3.9 million.

The buyer's plans for the property have not been disclosed. Under current zoning regulations, the land qualifies for subdivision into roughly 40 lots.

The land, in two parcels, includes a little more than a mile of bay and open ocean coastline. About 440 acres are between the bay and the Nukoli'i resort area, and a 24-acre parcel is former cane land along the makai side of Kuhio Highway, south of Wailua Golf Course.

The land is primarily zoned for agricultural use, but there is an urban-zoned section along the coast, which would allow about 40 home sites to be developed.

Amfac continues to market its largest piece of former sugar land ­ 17,780 acres that run from Lihu'e to the mountains. The firm is asking $26 million for the property.

Realtor Bob German of Aloha Island Properties said his agency has received offers for the land but none has been accepted.