The owners of the Kahala Hotel & Resort submitted a draft Environmental Assessment (EA) in 2017 that sought permission to commercialize state land between their property and the beach with numerous “improvements.” After public outcry, the assessment was withdrawn.

However, since then, the hotel has proceeded to build and operate many of the same “improvements” without an EA, SMA (special management area) permits or building permits. Commercial activities are not allowed under the revocable permit the state has granted the hotel for the maintenance and recreational use of its land.

This is simply a way of circumventing the requirements of state laws intended to protect the public’s interests. The hotel should not be allowed to add or operate commercial activities — from which they profit — without an EA, relevant SMA permits or building permits.

They should follow the rules like everyone else.

James Nicolay

Kahala