Thirty-four years. That's how long the Coco Palms property has sat in ruins on the east side — ever since Hurricane Iniki leveled it in 1992. Dozens of redevelopment plans have come and gone. Communities have protested. Developers have walked. Native Hawaiian groups have raised serious cultural concerns about the site.

This week, something different happened. The developer behind the current plan secured $431 million in financing and announced a new opening target of 2028.

That's real money. Not a proposal. Not a rendering. Actual financing.

The new resort is planned as a 351-room luxury property under the Kimpton Hotels brand with IHG backing. The design is supposed to honor the site's Hawaiian cultural history — though what that looks like in practice remains to be seen.

Here's the honest truth: locals are split on this. Some grew up going to Coco Palms and want to see the land cared for again. Others feel a luxury resort is the wrong use for a culturally significant site. And some just want the eyesore off Kuhio Highway.

Whatever you think about it — 2028 is now on the calendar. Watch this space.

A murder suspect is still out there. Fifteen years ago, Amber Jackson was killed on Kauai. KPD has had an arrest warrant for suspect Gregory Glaser since December 2025 — but they still haven't found him. This week, authorities renewed their public call for tips. If you know anything, Crime Stoppers Kauai is the number to call. This case has gone cold too many times. The family deserves better.

The mayor's race is officially wide open. No incumbent is running for Kauai mayor this year, and six candidates are stepping up: Bernard Carvalho Jr., Mel Rapozo, Michaela Widener, Laura Andaya-Lindsay, Felicia Cowden, and Megeso-William Denis. Civil Beat put all six on the record with the same questions — feral cats, cesspools, overtourism, ICE enforcement. The answers show six genuinely different visions for the island's future. Worth reading before August.

West side folks, pay attention. Rep. Dee Morikawa has held the District 17 House seat since 2010 — sixteen years. This primary she's got a challenger: Chad Schimmelfennig. It's a Democratic primary, so the winner almost certainly takes the seat. If you live on the west side, this race is yours to decide.

Opportunity Zone money was going to the wrong places. A new Civil Beat investigation found that federal tax incentives designed to funnel investment into struggling communities were landing in some of Kauai's wealthiest neighborhoods. The good news: apparently that's changing. The bad news: it's been happening for years without much scrutiny. Worth a full read if you care about where outside money flows on this island.

Aloha Friday Art Night at Hale Līhuʻe — This Friday Free, local, and happening this week. Aloha Friday Art Nights at Hale Līhuʻe run 5–8pm this Friday, June 26th. Good vibes, local art, and a reason to get off the couch after work. Free to attend — just show up.

Line Dancing Fundraiser — Saturday, June 27th $20 gets you in the door for a night of line dancing from 5:30–8:30pm. Good cause, good time, and something a little different for a Saturday night on Kauai.

July 5th Beach Cleanup — Start Planning Now The Fourth of July is fun. The morning after is not — at least not for our beaches. Fireworks debris, plastic cups, food wrappers — it all ends up in the sand or washes into the ocean. Surfrider Foundation Kauai is organizing their annual July 5th cleanup and needs volunteers. This is one of the most meaningful mornings you can spend on this island.

Weekend Conditions South shore surf is elevated through the week — head-high to overhead at exposed breaks by Thursday. Trades are light, north and east shores are quiet. Good week for south shore if that's your spot.

Kauai Beach Resort Is Back Open Outrigger just finished a major renovation of Kauai Beach Resort and reopened this week with a new restaurant called Ocean House — a Roy Yamaguchi concept. Breakfast and dinner daily, menus built around locally sourced ingredients. Roy Yamaguchi has been doing Hawaii Regional Cuisine for decades — this is a solid get for the east side. Whether you're a local who hasn't been to KBR in years or just looking for a nice dinner out, it's worth a visit.

Oahu Won the Poke Fest The sixth annual Kauai Poke Fest happened last weekend and the top prize went to Chef Justin Firmignac of Haleʻiwa Joe's — from Oahu. Of all the islands to win on Kauai soil. Friendly ribbing aside, the event itself is a great community moment every year. Already looking forward to next year.

Six candidates for mayor. One empty seat. A $431 million resort finally getting built. A 15-year-old murder case still unsolved. An incumbent getting challenged on the west side after 16 years.

Kauai is never boring. And it's your island. Pay attention to what's happening in it.

Register to vote if you haven't. The August primary is coming fast.

Stay salty, stay curious.

— Waylon & the Kauai Wire Team 🌺