County Buys 417 acres in Waimea for Recreation, Housing, Economic Uses

Left to right, Department of Parks and Recreation Director Patrick Porter, Managing Director Michael A. Dahilig, Finance Director Reiko Matsuyama, Mayor Derek Kawakami, Chris Faye of the Kikiaola Land Company, Council Chair Arryl Kaneshiro, Councilmember Luke Evslin, Capital Improvement Projects Manager Wade Lord. Contributed photo

The County of Kaua‘i announced the purchase of 417 acres of agriculture land from the Kikiaola Land Company Ltd. last Monday, according to a county news release.

“We thank the Faye family and Kikiaola Land Company for the sale of this land to the County of Kaua‘i,” Mayor Derek Kawakami said. “This $5.3 million sale will provide the potential to discuss future recreation, housing, and economic uses with the Westside community. The Faye’s have been long time stewards of this important area, and we at the County of Kaua‘i are humbled to take responsibility for this land. We look forward to engaging with the community about the future.”

Kikiaola Board Chair George Christensen said Kikiaola is pleased to partner with the County of Kaua‘i to provide recreation and economic development opportunities for West Kaua‘i through the sale of this farm land to county.

The County of Kaua‘i announced the purchase of 417 acres of agriculture land from the Kikiaola Land Company Ltd. last Monday. The sale does not include reservoir areas or the existing wastewater treatment plant. Contributed photo

“For close to a century, this acreage was some of the most productive sugar cane land in the Hawaiian islands. Now, after lying mostly fallow for decades, it will become productive again,” Christensen said. “We have deep roots in the communities of Waimea and Kekaha, and the Faye family is committed to improving the quality of life in west Kaua‘i. We believe this transaction will breathe new life into our side of the island, and we congratulate Mayor Kawakami for having the vision to see a bright future for Waimea and west Kaua‘i.”

“On behalf of the Kaua‘i County Council, we are deeply grateful to the Faye Family and Kikiaola Land Company for this truly unique and exciting opportunity,” County Council Chair Arryl Kaneshiro said. “It is our hope that this transaction will have a positive impact on the west Kaua‘i community for future generations.”