Posted on: Friday, November 16, 2001

Proviso on Kaua'i land donation debated

By Jan TenBruggencate
Advertiser Kaua‘i Bureau

LIHU'E, Kaua'i — The developer of the Kealia Kai subdivision said yesterday it's a legitimate concern for him to want to have private security forces patrol a section of land he proposes to give to the county as a park.

The Kaua'i County Council is considering whether to accept the donation of 52 coastal acres along a two-mile stretch of land at the base of the Kealia bluff, with restrictions on when the public can use it and with a proviso that developer Tom McCloskey's security officers can continue to ride their four-wheelers on the property.

The council yesterday deferred action on the issue to a later meeting.

Some speakers at yesterday's meeting said the security is a benefit to the public, as well as to the private property owners whose land overlooks the coast.

"We believe there is an overall benefit to the public," said Richard Jasper, president of the Kapa'a Business Association.

But others were vociferous in their disapproval. Ray Chuan said the Kealia deal was "a tale of deception and misunderstanding."

Several speakers complained that the primary beach along the coastline, known as Kuna or Donkey Beach, is a site for nudity and gay activities.

"I don't feel bad about there being security down there" to suppress such activity, said Mike Aki.

Several speakers argued over the definition of a gift. "If someone gives you a gift, should there be strings attached?" asked one speaker.

But McCloskey said he never expected to get benefits from the donation of the land.