Friends of Coco
Palms is an informal, diverse group committed to ensuring that the
culture and history of the property known as Coco Palms is preserved and
perpetuated. The first members of the group began meeting in the Fall
2007. The Kaua‘i Public Land Trust (KPLT) serves as the fiscal sponsor
of the organization.
Committee Members: Gary and Beryl Blaich,
Pat Griffin, Puna Dawson, Bill Chase, Christobel Kealoha, Andy Bushnell,
Linda Pizzitola, Rayne Regush, Kamika Smith, Robin Danner, and Diane
Zachary. The Committee is advised by Senator Gary Hooser. Jennifer Luck
is the administrative staff person.
The Friends of Coco
Palms mission is to preserve the unique natural features and culture of
the property, while making it available for public use. The group wishes
to work with the community to determine the best use of the property,
including strategies to acquire the property and plan for its long term
protection and management.
Possible uses of the
property that have been suggested include creating a public gathering
place of cultural enrichment, historic preservation, land conservation
and spiritual nourishment – a center of Hawaiian cultural stewardship
and learning on Kaua‘i. It is envisioned that the property would be
owned by either a new entity composed of a hui of organizations or one
Hawaiian organization with agreements regarding use by other groups.
Our vision is
layered. It holds at its center the thousand-year-old Hawaiian cultural
significance of the property and surrounding area while recognizing its
long tradition as a welcoming place for travelers, from Queen Deborah
Kapule to the twentieth century’s “first lady” of Hawaiian hospitality,
Grace Guslander. While we envision primarily a place of history,
cultural education and natural beauty, we recognize the need for an
income-producing component of the property as well.
We offer this vision
as a starting point during the coming months for a spirited community
conversation about the Coco Palms’ future.
