What's Being Discussed

The Hawaiʻi Supreme Court will hear oral arguments in a case involving a proposed development at the historic Coco Palms resort site on Kauaʻi. The case is:

• Friends of Māhā'ulepū vs. Kauaʻi Planning Commission, County of Kauaʻi, RP21 Coco Palms LLC, and Coco Palms Hui LLC

Friends of Māhā'ulepū, a community group, is appealing a decision by the Kauaʻi Planning Commission. The appeal challenges approvals related to the redevelopment of the Coco Palms resort, a well-known property that has been closed since Hurricane Iniki damaged it in 1992. The developers, RP21 Coco Palms LLC and Coco Palms Hui LLC, are named as opposing parties.

Decisions Expected

This is an oral argument session, not a final vote. The justices will listen to legal arguments from both sides and ask questions. A written ruling will be issued at a later date. No immediate decision is expected at this hearing.

Who Should Pay Attention

• Kauaʻi residents interested in land use and development decisions on the island
• Environmental and community advocates following the Coco Palms redevelopment project
• Property developers and landowners affected by planning commission decisions statewide
• Anyone interested in how Hawaiʻi courts handle land use appeals

The public can attend in person at the Supreme Court Courtroom, Aliʻiōlani Hale, 417 South King Street, Honolulu, or watch the livestream on the Hawaiʻi Courts YouTube channel or ʻŌlelo Community Media. Disability accommodations are available by calling 539-4700.