Princeville Condo Sales » Island living

New St. Regis Princeville Resort Hotel

Elaine Schaefer — Thu, 15 Oct 2009 07:04:01 +0000

Aloha,

Yes, I finally made it to the “new” St. Regis to check it out, and yes, I parked my own car. Thanks to those of you who told me you’d been there and that self park was still alive and well. I can only guess that the day I went the greeter at the entry gazebo had delusions of grandeur when he told me that it was only valet parking because it was “a St. Regis now.”

I have to say, I was pleasantly surprised. The hotel has an air of subtle elegance and warmth that I found very peaceful and welcoming. It is very understated and comfortable. The entry vestibule welcomes you with a beautiful orchid arrangment, and opens up to the spa, reception area and sitting areas, highlighted by a fabulous chandelier which is the focal point of the lobby.

Take a look for yourself. Even though it was an overcast day, the hotel and grounds still shone. Here is the view that meets you looking over the bluff towards Bali Hai:
.

Here is the view of the hotel from the parking lot:

The smaller vestibule has an intimate fee which is quite different from the old hotel which immediately opened up to the entire space:

The ornate chandelier is the focal point of the lobby:

Close up of the chandelier:

The living room leads to the lanai and great views:

Here’s a close up of the comfortable living room seating:

The view — nothing else need be said:

Now step outside onto the lanai overlooking Hanalei Bay and Bali Hai:

Sit down, relax and enjoy:

As you come back in, you’ll see the Spa entrance across the lobby:

As you walk back out to the parking lot, don’t forget to stop and admire the white hibiscus:

And if you want to own a condo as close to the new St.Regis as possible, Pu’u Po’a is seen adjacent to the Hotel parking lot:

I doubt I would ever have a reason to stay at the hotel, but I will certainly take advantage of the ambiance of the spa and restaurant. I understand shops will be open after the first of the year. Go check it out if you have a chance. You will not be disappointed.

Aloha, Elaine

Elaine Schaefer (R, CRS, GRI, ABR)
Broker in Charge – Princeville Resort Office
Certified Residential Specialist
Graduate, Realtor’s Institute
Accredited Buyer’s Representative
Top Producer 100% Club

RE/MAX Kauai
Princeville Resort Office
POB 223632
Princeville, HI 96722
cell: 808 639 2935
home fax: 1 808 440 4552
email:soldonkauai@yahoo.com
website: www.KauaiRealEstateNow.com
blog: http://blogs.alohaliving.com/princeville-condo-sales/

……you can have your own piece of paradise
ask me how!

Nene, the State bird

Elaine Schaefer — Thu, 13 Aug 2009 15:08:06 +0000

Aloha,

If you’ve had the opportunity to stay at the Cliff’s condos, you’re probably very familiar with the Nene, (nay-nay) the State bird, as this is one of their homes. On many occasion I’ve walked down my condo steps into a gaggle of them all congregated under a tree or out looking for food.

Found only in the Hawaiian Islands of Kauai, Maui and Molokia, the Nene was on the edge of extinction by 1949, with only 20 to 30 birds remaining in the wild due to uncontrolled hunting and the non-native predators, like the mongoose, pigs and feral cats, which quickly took its toll on the population. Conservation efforts were undertaken when the Nene was adopted as the State bird on May 7, 1957.

Even now the Nene is on the Federal List of Endangered Species, however, the preservation efforts are seeing some success as there are now about 800 wild Nene in Hawai’i and the numbers are rising with each breeding season.

The Nene is a handsome bird with a black head, buff cheeks and heavily furrowed neck. Bill, legs and feet are black. It has longer,stronger legs and almost non-existent webbing on their toes, which is an adaptation to the lava flows on which it breeds. The Nene does not spend much time in the water, does not migrate, and is an herbivore (plant-eater), eating grass and other low-lying plant material. It’s feathers have been used for decades by the native peoples of the islands in ceremonial dress.

Next time you’re on Kauai, don’t be surprised if you think you see a flock of geese flying by, as it will be the Nene. If you have time, stop up at the Cliffs to see them. Please, do not feed them or chase them, as I’ve seen many vistors do. They are a protected species and will stand quite still to allow you to get a beautiful picture of them

Aloha Elaine

……you can have your own piece of paradise
ask me how!

What does your bus stop look like? (Riding the Kauai Bus..)

Elaine Schaefer — Wed, 05 Aug 2009 15:07:06 +0000

Aloha,

What is it like to catch the bus in your neighborhood? For me, even the walk to the bus stop from my condo in Princeville was spectacular. Here is a shot of the rainbow as seen across the golf course as I walked along Ka Haku to the bus stop on Kuhio Highway across from the library..

Not too shabby.

The Princeville bus stop is little more than a humble concrete bench along the highway–

But take a look through the trees directly behind the bench

Which of course, invites you to step into the trees to get a better view of Hanalei Valley!

Not bad views for a small town bus stop.

The bus ride from Princeville through Kilauea is like an amusement park ride, with the riders bumping and bouncing along in unison. You’ll want to hold on as the driver makes a couple of 90 degree turns from the highway into and throughout Kilauea. Try it, you’ll see what I mean. The road smooths out once your get back on the highway outside of Kilauea heading towards Kapaa.

I’ve ridden the bus several times for a variety of reason, and have always had a good time talking to other passengers, chatting with the bus driver, or just listening and looking as the landscape rolls by. The bus fare just went up to $2 for adults but it’s well worth the price for a ride into town.

What are the views from your bus stop? Take some pictures with you cell phone, as you go along, like I did!

Aloha Elaine

……you can have your own piece of paradise
ask me how!

I always knew Kauai was the best….but I didn’t know we were rich too!

Elaine Schaefer — Tue, 14 Jul 2009 19:20:47 +0000

Aloha,

Sitting here on this beautiful summer morning, looking at the ocean framed by the swaying palms and banana trees, with fluffy white clouds floating in the blue sky, it comes as no surprise to me that Kauai was voted as the 4th “best overall island in the world” by Travel + Leisure magazine readers for the second year in a row. After all, it’s just another perfect day in Paradise. Here are the full rankings courtesy of Travel + Leisure magazine:

Top 10 Islands Overall
‘09 Rank ‘08 Name Score
1 2 Bali 87.41
2 1 Galápagos 86.80
3 10 Cape Breton Island, Nova Scotia 86.09
4 4 Kauai 85.90
5 – Mount Desert Island, Maine 85.87
6 3 Maui 85.48
7 – Aeolian Islands, Italy 85.13
8 – Maldives 84.43
9 7 Big Island 83.92
10 – Vancouver Island 83.74

If that’s not enough to make you want to make the move to Paraside here’s another tidbit from the July 13th edition of the Pacific Business News: “Hawaii continues to lead the nation in the percent of millionaires per overall population.” The article went on to say that “6.4 percent of Hawaii’s households, or 28,363, are millionaires. That’s down from 7.26 percent in 2008 but still high enough of a percentage to lead the nation for the second year in a row.”

If you’re specifically looking for a millionaire but cannot make it to Hawaii “Rounding out the top five states in millionaires per population are Maryland (6.3 percent), New Jersey (6.2 percent), and Connecticut (6.2 percent). These states maintained their order of ranking from 2008. Virginia (5.5 percent) cracked the top five in 2009, up from sixth place in 2008, while Massachusetts (5.4 percent) came in sixth in 2009, down from fifth place the previous year.”

Call me if you need any more encouragement and I’ll send you a list of all the good buys on the Island.

Aloha Elaine

The view from my living room

……you can have your own piece of paradise
ask me how!

Fireworks at PMRF were fun for all

Elaine Schaefer — Sat, 04 Jul 2009 05:23:57 +0000

Aloha,

Wednesday I reported that PMRF was opening the base to the Community for a family oriented fireworks event on Thursday July 2nd from 5PM to 10PM. If you missed it this year, I thought I’d pass on some photos so you could see the fireworks with the moon in the background. It was quite spectacular.

This looks like it will be an annual event, one I highly recommend. There was plenty of ono food, live music, fun events for the keiki, lots of good friends and of course, the highlight of the event, the fireworks. These photos were taken with my cell phone and are actually a poor representation of the actual event. Plan to come next year for a good time.

Aloha Elaine

……you can have your own piece of paradise
ask me how!

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PMRF 2nd of July celebration is open to all

Elaine Schaefer — Wed, 01 Jul 2009 05:02:32 +0000

Aloha,

If you want to kick off your extra long weekend with fireworks, head on out to the Westside and PMRF (Pacific Missile Range Facility) for a “pre-holday” celebration and fireworks on Thursday July 2rd. Since all government employees have Friday the 3rd off, the base is opening it’s doors to the Community for an evening of fun and celebration from 5 PM to 10 PM on the 2nd. This past Saturday, while speaking at the Military Appreciaton Day, “Capt. Aaron Cudnohufsky, commanding officer of the Pacific Missile Range Facility at Mana, expressed his appreciation to the county, its leaders and people.

“It is important to have support, and we thank you for supporting us,” Cudnohufsky said. “We invite the people to PMRF on July 2 starting at 5 p.m. to enjoy the Fourth of July. It’s just a small way the base tries to give back to the community because we cannot do what we do without you.”

There will be food, games for kids, various displays and vendors and of course, fireworks to get your holiday weekend off to a perfect start. Come on out and join in the fun.

Aloha Elaine

……you can have your own piece of paradise
ask me how!

We always knew Hanalei Beach is THE BEST!

Elaine Schaefer — Fri, 22 May 2009 19:14:38 +0000

Aloha,

It comes as no surprise to those of us who enjoy Hanalei Bay and the adjacent beaches on a daily basis : Dr. Beach voted Hanalei Beach as the best in the US! This is from today’s Yahoo news page

————————————
‘Dr. Beach’ picks Hanalei Bay nation’s No. 1 beach

By JAYMES SONG, Associated Press Writer Jaymes Song, Associated Press Writer

Fri May 22, 7:12 am ET

HANALEI, Hawaii – If life is a beach, Hanalei Bay must be heaven. This remote, two-mile crescent-shaped beach on Kauai where the emerald mountains meet the sparkling sea was selected No. 1 on “Dr. Beach” Stephen P. Leatherman’s 2009 list of top 10 beaches, which was released Friday. Hanalei beat out other shores stretching from San Diego to Cape Cod.

“The sheer beauty of Hanalei Bay is breathtaking,” said Leatherman, director of Florida International University’s Laboratory for Coastal Research. “It’s really an idyllic setting.”

Hanalei features postcard views from every angle and is untouched by the feverish development that has transformed the coastlines of other islands. It’s cherished by both locals and tourists as the perfect spot to swim, surf, snorkel or simply escape and unwind.

“It’s just gorgeous,” said Annie Meredith, who regularly surfs in the bay. “You’ve got green mountains, white sand, blue ocean — that’s kind of hard to beat.”

The runner-up on Leatherman’s list was Siesta Beach in Sarasota, Fla., followed by Coopers Beach in Southampton, N.Y., on Long Island; Coronado Beach in San Diego; Hamoa Beach in Maui, Hawaii; Main Beach in East Hampton, N.Y., on Long Island; Cape Hatteras in Outer Banks, N.C.; Cape Florida State Park in Key Biscayne, Fla.; Coast Guard Beach on Cape Cod, Mass.; and Beachwalker Park on Kiawah Island, S.C.

Leatherman based his selections on 50 criteria, including water quality and temperature, cleanliness, weather, sand, safety and facilities. And Hanalei is his personal favorite “getaway beach” in Hawaii.

“If I want to get away from it all and forget about the rest of the world, Hanalei is about the best place to go, as far as I know,” he said.

Hanalei is located on Kauai’s North Shore around the corner from the Napali Coast, the most stunning corner of the state. One side offers lush valleys, dramatic waterfalls and sculpted mountains with peaks that rise 4,000 feet. On the other is the Pacific, where dolphins and sea turtles can be seen.

The big attraction here is that it’s not a big attraction. Unlike in the high-rise jungle of Waikiki, where thousands of glowing-pale tourists sprawl across the sand like eggs in a carton, there’s plenty of breathing room in secluded Hanalei.

Newlyweds Dirk and Courtney McNealy, of Gainesville, Fla., noticed that there were only about 50 people along the entire two miles of beach on a recent weekday.

“Back in Florida, it seems there’s 50 people in a 10-foot stretch,” Courtney McNealy said.

The McNealys chose the so-called Garden Island for their honeymoon because they wanted a peaceful retreat.

“The water is nice. The sand is nice,” Courtney McNealy said. “It’s really beautiful.”

Duane Kutsch, of Richland, Wash., said he enjoyed the slower pace and the space.

“It doesn’t seem so big and commercial like Oahu,” he said. “Oahu to me feels like Chicago, a huge city on the edge of the water. This still has a hometown feel to it.”

The flight to Kauai from Honolulu takes less than a half hour. The 30-mile drive from Lihue Airport to Hanalei, however, takes nearly an hour along two-lane Kuhio Highway. The roadway eventually runs down the mountainside and crosses a one-lane bridge before entering the tiny town of Hanalei.

Egos, shoes and watches should be checked at the bridge. No one’s in a hurry in this ultra-mellow community.

The village is a throwback to old Hawaii. There are sprawling plots of taro, which is used to produce poi, a staple in the Hawaiian diet. Neighborhood kids sell fresh leis on the corner. Gift shops, art galleries, surf stores and casual restaurants line the main drag.

“Most of us who live in the city are used to the hustle and bustle. This is anything but that,” Leatherman said. “It’s about as laid-back as you can get.”

In the winter, swells and rip currents pick up in the bay and lifeguards are kept busy. Hanalei and surrounding areas have several top surf breaks. This is where three-time surfing world champion Andy Irons lives and honed his skills.

Even when the surf is up, parts of the bay are protected by an outer reef, so people can still swim safely. However, visitors should be aware of conditions and posted signs and check with lifeguards.

“Because of the beauty, it’s deceiving,” said Mark McKamey, who has been a lifeguard in the area for 17 years. “It’s paradise so it gives them a false sense of security.”

In the summer, the waters flatten out. Locals can be seen throw-net fishing, catching opelu and akule, a Native Hawaiian tradition.

“There’s a good vibe overall,” said McKamey.

There are three parks within the bay: Black Pot, Hanalei Pavilion and Waioli. Several surfing schools offer two-hour sessions for $50-$60 and rent gear.

Nestled between two rivers, Hanalei is the largest bay on the island of Kauai.

Leatherman said one of his favorite views of the bay is from The St. Regis Princeville Resort, located on the bluff. The 252-room hotel reopens in October after nearly a year of renovations.

Hanalei first gained fame when the hit musical “South Pacific” was filmed here five decades ago, and it hasn’t changed much. The sailors sang “There Is Nothin’ Like a Dame” at the bay, while neighboring Lumahai Beach is where Mitzi Gaynor made famous “I’m Gonna Wash That Man Right Outa My Hair.”

More recently, the North Shore served as the backdrop in films from “Raiders of the Lost Ark” to “Tropic Thunder,” which starred part-time local resident Ben Stiller, one of many celebrities who vacation or live here.

Ranked No. 2 in 2008, Hanalei will now be retired from the Dr. Beach’s list. Its selection returns the top spot to Hawaii, which has won 12 times since Leatherman started the list in 1991. Florida beaches have been named tops six times, including last year with Caladesi Island. North Carolina won once. California placed No. 4 this year with Coronado Beach but has never claimed the top spot.

___

On the Net:

Dr. Beach’s Top 10: http://www.drbeach.org

___

Here are the winners going back to 1991 of Florida International University professor Stephen P. Leatherman’s annual Best Beach award. Winners are retired from later lists.

2009 — Hanalei Bay, Kauai, Hawaii

2008 — Caladesi Island State Park, Dunedin, Fla.

2007 — Ocracoke Lifeguarded Beach, Outer Banks, N.C.

2006 — Fleming Beach Park, Maui, Hawaii

2005 — Fort DeSoto Park — North Beach, St. Petersburg, Fla.

2004 — Hanauma Bay, Oahu, Hawaii

2003 — Kaanapali, Maui, Hawaii

2002 — St. Joseph Peninsula State Park, Port St. Joe, Fla.

2001 — Poipu Beach Park, Kauai, Hawaii

2000 — Mauna Kea Beach, Hawaii

1999 — Wailea Beach, Maui, Hawaii

1998 — Kailua Beach Park, Oahu Hawaii

1997 — Hulopoe, Lanai, Hawaii

1996 — Lanikai Beach, Oahu, Hawaii

1995 — St. Andrews State Park, Panama City, Fla.

1994 — Grayton Beach State Park, Santa Rosa Beach, Fla.

1993 — Hapuna, Hawaii

1992 — Bahia Honda, Big Pine Key, Fla.

1991 — Kapalua Bay Beach, Maui, Hawaii

—————————————–
All I can say is: Come see for yourself!

Aloha Elaine

……you can have your own piece of paradise
ask me how!

Pacific Missile Range Facility hosts Community open house May 16th

Elaine Schaefer — Wed, 13 May 2009 20:29:57 +0000

Aloha,

Many who live on Island and most who live on the mainland have never been to PMRF, the Pacific Missile Range Facility located on the Westside of the Island. Some don’t even know what it is! For those of you who are partially or totally unfamiliar with PMRF, here is a basic description from their website https://cnic.navy.mil/barkingsands/index.htm

“PMRF is the world’s largest instrumented multi-environment range capable of supporting surface, subsurface, air, and space operations simultaneously. There are over 1,100 square miles of instrumented underwater range and over 42,000 square miles of controlled airspace. This makes PMRF a premier facility for supporting operations which vary from small, single-unit exercises up to largescale, multiple-unit battle group scenarios.”

Although many perceive PMRF as a defensive installation it is not. The function of the base is that of testing and training. Their mission is to “Provide integrated range service in a modern, multi-threat, multi-dimensional environment that ensures the safe conduct and evaluation of training and T and E (testing and evaluation) missions.”

To put it in plain English, at PMRF they do testing of new weapon systems and training on existing systems under water, on the water surface, in the air, and in space. If you’re lucky, and happen to be in Kekeha on a launch day, you just might see a missile heading skyward.

This Saturday, May 16th from 9 to 3, PMRF is holding an open house for the Community. Per the April 30th Garden Island, “Capt. Aaron Cudnohufsky invites all friends and supporters of PMRF to this quality, family-oriented event that will feature numerous military aircraft, aerial targets and boat static displays as well as food and information booths.

Some of the aircraft scheduled to be on display include the C-17, P-3, H-60, C-26, S-61, CH-53 and the latest Civil Air Patrol Cessna 182. In addition to the aircraft, classic cars and Harley-Davidson motorcycles will be on display.

A bounce house for children and music by The Starlighters are also part of the day’s festivities.

Visitors are advised to travel to the northern gate to enter the event. This gate is about two miles north of the main “housing” gate. The event will be taking place at the base air operations hangar and adjoining ramp and parking will be available on base, although visitors are reminded that all vehicles will be subject to search. No coolers, oversized bags, pets or outside food and beverages will be allowed.”

Don’t miss this great opportunity to get on base and see what PMRF is all about. Bring your swimsuit and head for the Kekaha beaches afterwards or wear your hiking clothes and drive up to Kokee for some spectacular scenery. I’ll be there mid afternoon and hope to see you there.

Aloha Elaine

This is last night’s sunset. As the sun reached the horizon, a stange shaped cloud appeared!

……you can have your own piece of paradise
ask me how!

County mass notification test set for Today + Low interest rates

Elaine Schaefer — Fri, 01 May 2009 16:42:58 +0000

Aloha,

You may have missed a small news article in the April 28th Garden Island reminding residents to sgn up for “Connect – CTY, a free mass notification service that will enable the county to quickly inform residents about emergency situations through a single phone call.” The county is conducting a test of Connect – CTY today at 11:45 AM to heighten awaremess of this service. In an emergency situation, a message will come to your cell phone, PDA, and / or email as well as to TTY / TDD receiving devices for the hearing impaired.

All “publicly available primary residential and business phones on Kauai will be automatically included in the system, per the Garden Island.” You may also register up to three phone numbers and two email addresses by visiting www.kauai.gov. In the middle of the opening page is information on this service. Just click and you’re on your way. If you lack internet access, please call 241-1800 to be added to the database. Having gone through Iniki, where the only beacon of information was Kong radio, having a central system to dispatch critical information makes sense to me.

By the way, Pacific Business News reported yesterday that interest rates are the lowest in at least 39 years, with 30 years interest rates falling to 4.78%. This rate matches a low set on April 7th which is the lowest since Freddie Mac began keeping track of rates in 1970. Still think it’s not a good time to buy? The report went on to say that there were indication the housing market is “on the mend. Existing home sales stayed near their four month average in March, while sales of new homes were stronger than expected last month. The inventory of unsold new homes fell to the lowest level since January 2002.”

Whatever you do, if you want to own in Kauai, don’t end up being one of those who says (2 years from now) I wish I had……

Aloha Elaine

Another sunset picture.

……you can have your own piece of paradise
ask me how!

Princeville Rezoning Application for Timeshare withdrawn.

Elaine Schaefer — Mon, 26 Jan 2009 01:32:38 +0000

Aloha,

I’m always happy to report on the unexpected, especially when the news is good. Last blog I reported on a meeting held in Princeville where developer Jeff Stone said he was requesting a zoning change from R-4 to R-10 to put timeshare in on the Meadows and Greens area of Princeville. The meeting had the appearances of being held “under the radar” as there was very little notice. Fortunately, a few concerned citizens found out about the meeting and got the word out so that approximately 250 people showed up to voice their concerns.

In today’s Garden Island (1-25-09) it is reported that Jeff Stone is withdrawing the zoning amendment application “in order to allow us further time to engage more fully with the community.” Mind you, this doesn’t say he isn’t going to move forward it with the project but at least the community will have more time to interact and have their questions answered instead of feeling like they are being kept in the dark. I am reprinting the entire Garden Island article below for you to read and draw your own conclusions. Sometimes there just might be some divine intervention.

Aloha Elaine

RE/MAX Kauai
Princeville Resort Office
POB 223632
Princeville, HI 96722
cell: 808 639 2935
home fax: 1 808 440 4552
email:soldonkauai@yahoo.com
website: www.kauairealestatenow.com
blog: www.blogs.alohaliving.com/princeville-condo-sales

……you can have your own piece of paradise
ask me how!

———————————————————-

Princeville Associates withdraws zoning amendment application

By Coco Zickos – The Garden Island

Published: Sunday, January 25, 2009 3:10 AM HST

When the community of Kaua‘i bands together to get something done, it often finds success. Such was the case this week with residents of the North Shore community and developer Jeffrey Stone of Princeville Associates.

Ken Bachman, a Ka‘iulani at Princeville resident, said at least 250 people attended Wednesday’s informational meeting pertaining to Princeville Associates’ recent submission of a zoning amendment application to the County of Kaua‘i’s Planning Department.

According to a Friday press release, the intention behind the developer’s action was to “adapt and connect its zoned Visitor Destination Area properties known as Greens and Meadows with the high standards of its neighbors in Princeville.”

The areas of the Greens and Meadows run adjacent to Kuhio highway and the Prince Golf course, between the Princeville roundabout and the Princeville Health Club and Spa.

Stone formally agreed to withdraw the application Friday due, in part, to the community’s response; there were questions that still needed answers.

“In order to be in full compliance with County ordinances and consistent with the Visitor Destination Area boundary, it was recommended that a zoning amendment be filed for these projects,” said Stone in a written statement. “Since filing our zoning amendment application, we have met with many community groups and members, and understand they have varied perceptions and misunderstandings about the Greens and Meadows.

“Because our relationship is important to us, we have decided to withdraw our petition for a zoning amendment in order to allow us further time to engage more fully with the community.”

Mamo Cummings Graham, director of resort marketing for Princeville at Hanalei, said the management group is hoping to work closely with the community so a better understanding can be gained between both parties and to be as “transparent” as possible.

Bachman said he believes Stone has a right to build on his property, but what concerned him and other North Shore residents was their feeling that the plan happened “under the radar,” without the community’s input or knowledge.

“He just didn’t do his homework, and tried to slip this through,” Bachman said in a phone interview Saturday. “He and his group were very surprised at the turnout on Wednesday and I think they realized they had not properly communicated to make the community aware of his plans. We just want to be sure it has most favorable impact on the community and I believe that’s what he’s going back to the drawing board on and bringing people into awareness on this.”

Among concerns expressed at Wednesday’s meeting was the proposed infrastructure, traffic impact and why Stone was choosing to construct timeshare units.

Many questions were answered and, according to Warren Burton, president of Ka‘iulani’s homeowner’s association, Stone was “quite candid.”

Bachman said Stone spoke not only of the Greens and Meadows, but also about the future of the St. Regis Hotel and both golf courses, and also confirmed that the timeshares were not to be of conventional standards.

“From my understanding, their intent was to put in a more upscale development, but had to name it as a timeshare,” said Bachman.

Bachman explained it would instead be a fractional ownership, yet had to be placed under the legal definition of timeshare.

“‘Timeshare’ is an unfortunate word and rings a lot of bells,” said Don Schultz, principal forensic structural engineer of Schultz & Associates and developer of Ka‘iulani and Villas on the Prince, both adjacent to the Greens and Meadows. “All timeshares are not created equal.”

Schultz, who said he was neither a proponent nor an opponent of the projects but that he didn’t entirely understand them, believes his own developments are comparable to Stone’s proposals.

“What he was planning is essentially identical to Villas on the Prince and Ka‘iulani: low-density, nice communities,” said Schultz.

Not only did Stone hold a meeting with the community on Wednesday, he also held an additional meeting on Friday with select individuals, including Burton, who said he certainly left with fewer concerns than he previously had.

“We just wanted it to be consistent with the quality of development adjacent to it,” Burton added. “Let’s face it, we’re interested in holding the value of our properties; we don’t want to see values depreciate.”

Schultz agrees that the meetings held last week were positive and he now has a better understanding of what is slated to exist.

“We’ve had several meetings with the association and we’ve got further clarification of what their objectives are,” said Bachman.

Schultz believes there could potentially be many positive attributes to the new developments.

“It would bring money to the economy and jobs to people in a time where things have slowed down. Our economy on Kaua‘i is a visitor destination economy and tourism is our number one income source,” he said, “and this is tourism.”

Keone Kealoha, executive director of Malama Kaua‘i, also believes that there could be advantages to a development as long as the community is involved in making the decisions and all aspects are covered.

“I would hope that they do engage the community and are forthcoming with their plans so people have an opportunity to voice their opinions, and hopefully they’ll be heard and incorporated,” he said Saturday. “The one thing I would have to say is it’s obvious with any development that’s going to occur there will be an increase in needs for local services, for example, the number of jobs they’re planning on adding. If it’s a good plan, ultimately it will have a benefit to the community as a whole.”

When asked what he thought would be the next step for Princeville Associates after their announcement to withdraw the amendment, Schultz said it was hard to tell.

“Is it going to change the plan? It might, it might not. I don’t want to say one way or the other,” he said. “Bottom line is, the folks at the meeting, once they got a better feel, and got the ‘why’ answered and not just the ‘what,’ you realize that we’re all in this together.”

• Coco Zickos, business writer, can be reached at 245-3681 (ext. 251) or czickos@kauaipubco.com