Posted on: Friday, January 18, 2002

Kaua'i council rejects gift of land

By Jan TenBruggencate
Advertiser Kaua‘i Bureau

L?HU'E, Kaua'i — The County Council last night rejected a Kealia developer's gift of 59 acres of beachfront land after seeing evidence purported to show his security guards harassing beachgoers.

The council had been poised to approve the park dedication from the Kealia Kai project, when opponents presented photographs showing security workers on the sandy beach with their all-terrain vehicles. Other photos were presented that opponents said showed security workers trying to intimidate beachgoers.

Developer Tom McCloskey has received approval for a 29-lot luxury subdivision, but building permits will not be issued for the lots until all conditions are met. He now has the option of seeking Planning Commission approval for rewording of the beach park dedication requirement or council approval of an amended dedication that resolves issues about the security officers.

McCloskey had insisted on being allowed to place security officers with vehicles on the coastal strip fronting his subdivision, although the public was not to be allowed to use vehicles there.

Councilman Randal Valenciano said he had favored permitting private security officers in the park, but could not abide their going onto the sand to confront beachgoers.

"What is it that causes this to happen? The word that came to me was 'arrogance,'" he said.