I was disappointed to read the recent “My Turn” opinion piece by Ric Rocker suggesting a proposed new development at Waikoloa Beach Resort would not benefit our community. His claims couldn’t be further from the truth.
I believe Kumu Hou will ultimately benefit Hawaii Island’s community and Waikoloa’s workforce. And, it’s because I believe so strongly in the Waikoloa Land Co.’s plans that I joined their team to help facilitate community discussions that are critical to understanding how Kumu Hou will fulfill the community needs today and in the future.
Through working with the project team, I have learned that timeshares are resilient and stable, qualities we need to leverage as we recover. After an economic downturn, timeshares are generally the first to return to operation and enjoy higher occupancy than hotels. Before the pandemic in 2019, Hawaii timeshare resorts had an average occupancy of 90.6% – the highest among the major timeshare destinations.
Because timeshare owners return more often than hotel guests – the average timeshare visitor has visited Hawaii nearly nine times – they tend to have a greater appreciation and respect for our community, land and culture. Hawaii’s timeshare vacationers, on average, spend over $4,000 per trip, funneling money directly into our local economy. And, unlike short-term vacation rentals, timeshares ensure visitors do not encroach into our community spaces and neighborhood areas. Simply put, timeshare visitors are some of our state’s most reliable, highest spending guests.
Upon completion, Kumu Hou will be one of the largest employers on the Kohala Coast, generating more than 1,000 much-needed jobs for local residents in addition to the hundreds of jobs created throughout development. The project will attract substantial new investment for the State and County of Hawaii, estimated to bring in more than $30 million in direct development-related expenditures per year and, as construction proceeds, could infuse another expenditure of $60 million per year.
Many small, local businesses that have faced severe challenges throughout the pandemic will benefit from the steady foot traffic that Kumu Hou will provide, ensuring more of our community members can keep their jobs and provide for their families. Kumu Hou is good for Hawaii Island, as it will create economic momentum and an investment in our communities during a time when we need it most.
One of the main reasons for my support is the project will ensure the creation of no less than 142 affordable workforce rental housing units for kama‘aina. My son works in the resort core and is trying to establish himself in the area, but he struggles to find a functional place to live. Waikoloa Beach Resort will be the first resort community on the Kohala Coast to prioritize the development of workforce housing within the resort’s footprint. This commitment is a direct investment in the individuals who make Waikoloa so special, and it’s an idea for which our beloved late Mayor Billy Kenoi was a champion, understanding the significant impact it would have on the lives of local residents. Mayor Billy first introduced me to the project, knowing it could serve as a model for future developers.
While intent on making positive impacts to support Hawaii now, the Waikoloa Land Co. is also focused on investing in Waikoloa’s future. A portion of each timeshare sale from Kumu Hou will be set aside to fund an endowment for The Waikoloa Foundation – a total possible contribution of $45 million to be funded during the sales period for initial transactions, expected from 2027 to 2042.
Since relaunching in 2020 with renewed purpose and fresh programmatic priorities, The Waikoloa Foundation has supported organizations critical to our community, including Keiki Heroes and the Waikoloa Dry Forest Initiative. The Foundation is also committed to converting the historic Parker Ranch recreation building into a cultural resource center for the community’s benefit. As a member of The Foundation’s advisory board, it’s been encouraging for me to see the impact made first-hand and help guide The Foundation’s efforts to support our island’s most pressing needs. This endowment through Kumu Hou is a lasting promise to the community. It will ensure The Waikoloa Foundation’s efforts – toward education, environmental stewardship and culture – can continue in perpetuity, allowing the Foundation to expand its impact for the people of Hawaii Island long beyond the work of the Waikoloa Land Co.
For over a year, our island has experienced first-hand the damage to the health of our community and our economy as a direct result of the pandemic. We need an economic boost, and Kumu Hou at Waikoloa will provide that and so much more for Hawaii Island’s residents. This project is a substantial investment in Waikoloa and the future of Hawaii Island and another example of the thoughtful stewardship the Waikoloa Land Co. has provided for over 40 years.
Kanani Aton is the community outreach specialist for Kumu Hou.
