Developer’s plan for pricey farm lots, equestrian operations in Mokuleia moves forward
MOKULEIA (HawaiiNewsNow) - A developer has taken major steps toward turning a controversial North Shore project into reality.
The plan would split up historic Dillingham Ranch and sell pricey farm lots to buyers who could build homes on the agricultural land.
The city’s Department of Planning and Permitting recently accepted the project’s final environmental impact statement.
An agricultural subdivision permit is still pending, but a DPP spokesman said the city is required by law to give its approval as long as the applicant meets all of the conditions.
Current uses for the Mokuleia property include a coconut tree farm, equestrian operations, cattle ranching, and special events, according to the project’s website.
Ranch owner Kennedy Wilson, Inc., a California-based real estate investment firm, plans to sell 70 agricultural lots ranging in size from 2 to 77 acres.
The farm dwelling lots would take up 489 acres of the 2,721-acre property.
Buyers would be able to build a single-family home and other structures up to a total of 5,000 square feet.
The developer would give each owner an average of $12,000 to plant an orchard that covers at least one acre.
The company anticipated selling each parcel for a minimum of $1 million.
“I don’t really have anybody that I know that can just plunk down $1 million for a vacant lot that you still have to build a home on, so it’s going to be expensive,” said Kathleen Pahinui, chair of the North Shore Neighborhood Board, which opposes the subdivision.
Other concerns include traffic congestion and the private water supply from the ranch that some community members depend on.
The company did not responded to our requests for comment.
The addition of subdivision improvements, such as roadways and a wastewater treatment plant, would take about two years. The construction of homes wouldn’t start until the supporting infrastructure is complete.
“It’s not a small thing. a whole new community is going to suddenly going to spring up in that area,” said Pahinui. “They still have to sell it and market it, so we’ll see what happens on that and how long it takes them.”
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