Planned retreat sparks fears of unwanted homes

By James Gonser
Advertiser Staff Writer

Revived plans for a nondenominational spiritual retreat on nearly 94 acres of prime North Shore wilderness are raising concerns that the proposal might ultimately spawn home development in an area that lies between an ancient heiau and lush Waimea Valley.

"We would like assurances that it will not be divided into lots and industrialize that special area," Brady said.

"For a lot of people (homes) make a difference," said Kathleen Pahinui, North Shore Neighborhood Board chairwoman. "Most people don't want to see a large development up there. They want to keep it as pristine as possible."

The property is mostly former pineapple land near Waimea Bay and just mauka of Pu'u O Mahuka Heiau, which is a state monument. The foundation plans to donate about 63 acres to the state for a new park and keep 31 acres for the retreat.

Project consultant Ben Welborn, of Landmark Consulting Services Inc. on Kaua'i, said the foundation revised its proposal after hearing community concerns last year.

"There is no ulterior motive here," Welborn said. "The motives are clearly spelled out in the proposal. We are very willing to adopt any sort of assurances that are reasonable without tying our hands."

"The maximum capacity would be three residences, period," he said. "There is no intent to develop any homes, but if the sanctuary is not approved it (the land) could be sold and used for up to three houses."

Welborn said the nonprofit group is buying the property to stop development on the ridge and to create a public resource that is more in tune with human spirituality.

David Druz, who lists addresses in Hale'iwa and Henderson, Nev., is president of A Charitable Foundation Corp.

The foundation wants to establish the Kahi Malu Spiritual Sanctuary on the portion of land it would retain to offer "nature-oriented spiritual retreats to the public." Included in the project would be a single, one-story 5,200-square-foot building with eight dormitory-style bedrooms for overnight guests, a live-in caretakers' quarters, a meditation room, a "great room," a kitchen and dining room, and office and laundry areas.

Uses of the sanctuary would include day and overnight spiritual retreats, meditation and yoga classes, gardening and outdoor activities paid for on a donation basis.

The foundation expects to spend about $950,000 on the sanctuary building and $200,000 more on infrastructure at the site. No purchase price for the two properties involved was listed in the environmental assessment.

"If I was born yesterday, I'd say 'right on,'" Brady said. "But we want to know up front what are your plans? What are you going to do in five years — 10 years? How can you afford to run this thing, and is it going to be a church on conservation land?"

Both Druz and Welborn are expected to detail their plans at the North Shore Neighborhood Board meeting next week.

In May, the state land board approved the foundation's request for a public hearing and small-business impact determination study. Both are required to rezone 18.5 acres of the land from limited to general use to allow an access road from Maulukua Road. The public hearings have not yet been held.

Parks director Dan Quinn said the state is willing to discuss accepting the property for a park, but with no money to develop recreational activities it would likely become a State Park Reserve.

"It wouldn't be something we would be able to actively maintain, but as a potential addition to the land around the heiau and helping to preserve the visual integrity of the ridgeline, we think it is a good thing."

Reach James Gonser at jgonser@honoluluadvertiser.com or 535-2431.