City purchases undeveloped Kahuku Golf Course oceanfront lands, saving coastline from luxury home development

A nearly one-mile stretch of pristine coastline is adjacent to the Kahuku Golf Course

News Release from City and County of Honolulu, January 16, 2017

Kahuku – Mayor Kirk Caldwell will announced today that the City and County of Honolulu has purchased a beautiful stretch of open North Shore oceanfront where the city’s Kahuku Golf Course is located, saving it from a planned development. The city closed the purchase with owner Continental Pacific this past Friday for $12.1 million (please see here for maps).

Mayor Kirk Caldwell said: “It has been the dream of many people, both on the North Shore and throughout O‘ahu since the last cane harvest at Kahuku Plantation decades ago, to preserve one of the most beautiful coastlines in the entire world. That dream has now become a reality with the completion of this purchase from a private developer. In combination with the James Campbell Wildlife Preserve, local residents will enjoy this special place for generations to come while also celebrating the native Hawaiian concept of wahi pana. This vast track of undeveloped land is a fitting legacy to that cherished concept." 

Council Chair Emeritus Ernie Martin said: “It is very gratifying to see this purchase actually happen after years of calling for public acquisition of the land beneath the golf course. The City Council remained supportive of my efforts to acquire the Kahuku property by the approval of money from the Clean Water and Natural Lands fund. This acquisition will help the district to retain its historic character by preventing development of the property, which now provides protection for migratory sea birds, turtles, and seals. The environmental, recreational and economic benefits of acquiring this property are immeasurable and I want to express my gratitude to all of the many supporters of this important public initiative.”

The purchase includes 114 acres of land including approximately 4,696 feet of shoreline. The land includes pristine beach frontage and sand dunes amidst a vibrant ecosystem. It is home to the only municipal golf course on the North Shore, which the city has operated under a lease agreement since 1937.

The former landowner in recent years had announced plans to close the golf course and develop luxury homes on the shoreline, which is now prevented by this purchase.

The city intends to keep the golf course open and provide improved public access to the shoreline. Approximately 25,000 rounds of golf are played at the Kahuku Golf course every year.

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KHON: City buys oceanfront property to prevent development in Kahuku

KITV: City makes $12.1 million purchase to prevent luxury development

SA: City purchase will preserve North Shore area