Coco Palms to be rebuilt
By Jan TenBruggencate
Advertiser Kaua'i Bureau
LIHU'E, Kaua'i — The Kaua'i Planning Commission has approved zoning and shoreline management area permits for the rebuilding of the venerable Coco Palms Hotel, set around Queen Kapule's ancient fishponds and a coconut grove that is more than a century old.
Advertiser library photo | October 12, 2003
The hotel, which opened in 1953, in its prime was considered the prototype Polynesian hotel. In addition to its tropical setting, it was decorated with artifacts of Pacific cultures and featured outrigger canoes, Hawaiian music and a nightly torch-lighting ceremony that was its hallmark.
Before Hurricane 'Iniki in 1992, the Coco Palms Hotel on Kaua'i had 396 hotel rooms, some in thatched cottages amid the palms. A redevelopment plan will add retail, restaurant and office facilities.
Before Hurricane 'Iniki in 1992, the Coco Palms had 396 hotel rooms, some in thatched cottages amid the palms, and some in multistory structures with bathroom sinks made of giant clam shells.
Under the $209 million redevelopment by Richard Weiser's Coco Palms Ventures LLC, there would be 104 hotel rooms and 200 multifamily units, which would be sold as condominium apartments. The resort would either be operated by a boutique resort firm or by the developer's own management, Weiser said.
Retail, restaurant and office facilities will be spread around the project. The lobby, chapel and lagoon dining areas would be retained, as would the cottage where Elvis Presley stayed during the filming of "Blue Hawai'i."
The Sea Shell restaurant, which is separated from the main hotel property by Kuhio Highway, would be rebuilt. However, the Planning Commission last week rejected Weiser's proposal for a pedestrian overpass from the hotel to the beach. Weiser said he hasn't given up on the idea of some kind of overpass, which he considers the safest way to move visitors across the highway.
The Planning Commission mandated a 50-foot minimum building setback from the highway property line. Weiser said the two-story block of stores and offices along the highway will be removed.
He said construction should start late this year, with the new Coco Palms opening in late 2007.
Reach Jan TenBruggencate at jant@honoluluadvertiser.com or (808) 245-3074.
