Excellent article on Turtle Bay Conservation

Lea Hong and Doug Cole wrote an excellent article for the Honolulu Star Advertiser, explaining the benefits of coastal conservation near the Turtle Bay Resort. Lea and Doug are directors of Trust for Public Land and North Shore Community Land Trust, respectively. 

The City's General Plan Being Updated

The Honolulu General Plan is being updated and the latest comment period ends April 15, 2013.  There will be at least one more round of public meetings on this important document that guides city decisions on all the city's functions such as development planning, city services, infrastructure needs and more.

Senate Resolutions on Turtle Bay Conservation Effort Scheduled for Hearing 

Latest News on Turtle Bay Resort's DSEIS

                                

2010 - Hawaii Supreme Orders SEIS!

After four years, two lower court losses, and hundreds of thousands of dollars, WE WIN!

Keep the North Shore Country is very pleased the Hawaii Supreme Court, on April 8, 2010, ordered a Supplemental EIS for the Turtle Bay Resort Expansion Plan.  On July 20, 2010, the Court reaffirmed its decision.  We commend the Court for thoroughly reviewing the facts of the case and rendering a strong opinion on the need for an updated environmental review 25 years after the original report was completed in 1985.

We are very appreciative of the enormous support of residents on the North Shore, throughout the state of Hawaii and around the world who passionately cheered us on.  Everyone knew that this was the classic case where an SEIS should be required and the Court came down forcefully on the mistakes made by the Honolulu City & County Department of Planning and Permitting and the lower courts for their erroneous interpretation of the law.

Without the numerous donations, large and small, from concerned supporters, we would not have been able to mount this vigorous and ultimately successful campaign.  The cost of fighting city hall is staggering, but we were successful because of the stellar work by many people, not the least of whom are our attorneys.

Rory Wicks of Coast Law Group from California was masterful before the Supreme Court on December 17, 2009.  His preparation and knowledge of environmental law were amazing, convincing and undeniable.

Laura Moritz of Alston Hunt Floyd and Ing was steadfast as our lead attorney in Hawaii.  Laura worked this case from start to finish, through the setbacks, appeals and now, victory.

Bill Hunt at Alston Hunt Floyd and Ing provided experience and calm insight into the challenges we faced.

Robert Harris of Sierra Club, Hawaii Chapter, provided additional legal expertise and support when we needed it most.

Isaac Moriwake of EarthJustice prepared an extremely effective amicus brief for several groups who joined in support of the cause.  His observations made a positive impact on the result.

Marco Gonzales of Coast Law Group and all the other attorneys and staff at Alston Hunt Floyd and Ing were fantastic.

There are many others who helped in many ways, large and small, and they know who they are.  Organizations like  Defend Oahu Coalition, Surfrider Foundation and Surfrider Foundation, Oahu Chapter deserve special thanks.

To everyone who believed in us and to everyone who helped make it happen, MAHALO!