Aloha Supporters!
We need your help! Right now, the Honolulu Department of Planning and Permitting (DPP) could issue permits for the RR3 development at Turtle Bay any day without updated environmental reviews or meaningful community input. We’re urging DPP Director Dawn Apuna to pause all permits until proper assessments are ensured. 🚨As of 3/30/2025, Arete Phase 1 RR3 vertical building permits have not yet been approved. This is an image of the permitted grading, grubbing, geotech, and site preparation happenings as of 3/26/2025.
Take action today! Send an email to dpp@honolulu.gov urging Director Apuna to pause permitting. It is optional to also copy city officials, the mayor, and developers using the emails listed below.
What to Say in Your Email:
1) Request a Pause – Ask DPP to pause all permits until an updated environmental review is conducted.
2) Demand Transparency – Urge decision-makers to involve the community in renegotiating outdated agreements from 1986.
3) Highlight Key Concerns:
- The 1986 Unilateral Agreement and 2013 SEIS are outdated and do not account for today’s environmental and community impacts.
- Kahuku Point is home to endangered species and sacred iwi kūpuna – it must be protected.
- Increased development will worsen traffic, overburden emergency services, and drive gentrification.
4) Make it Personal – Share why you care about Turtle Bay and why this matters to you!
You can write your own message or use our letter templates for individuals and organizations @linktr.ee/kupaakuilima.
Suggested Subject Line:
📌 “Attention: Director Dawn Apuna – Pause Turtle Bay Permits”
Email Recipients:
📧 Primary Recipient: dpp@honolulu.gov (Attention: Director Dawn Apuna)
📧 BCC (optional): mayor@honolulu.gov, mformby@honolulu.gov, atupola@honolulu.gov, mweyer@honolulu.gov, ekiaaina@honolulu.gov, tommy.waters@honolulu.gov, tdossantos-tam@honolulu.gov, rcordero@honolulu.gov, valokimoto@honolulu.gov, atulba@honolulu.gov, scott.nishimoto@honolulu.gov, corporate.responsibility@hosthotels.com, northshore@arete-collective.com
Together, we can hold decision-makers accountable and protect our ‘āina. Send your email today, and share this with others!
Stay Connected & Take Action!
Follow us @kupaakuilima on social media to stay updated on urgent advocacy efforts and ways to protect Kahuku Lewa. The fight isn’t over—stay tuned for actions you can take!
🌿 Mahalo to the talented artist Kelsey Ige (@alohawares) for helping us reimagine our logo with deep meaning and intention. 🌊✨
Rooted in resilience, the hala tree symbolizes strength and protection, guiding us into a new era. Paired with the delicate ʻilima lei—representing Oʻahu and the fragile beauty of Kuilima—this design honors our deep connection to ʻāina. Ing said she “wanted to bring a ferocity and strength into it. Hala to signal moving into a new era paired with the delicate ʻilima lei to represent Oʻahu and the fragility of our special environment at Kuilima. Like ʻilima, it needs special care.” (Ing, 2025)
Follow @alohawares to see more of Kelsey’s incredible work! 💛🌱
🙏MAHALO NUI LOA TO HAWAIʻI PEOPLE'S FUND FOR SUPPORTING KŪPAʻA KUILIMA'S EFFORTS!🙏
🙌"Hawai’i People’s Fund has helped to support, build capacity, and amplify the impact of grassroots social change movements in Hawai’i since 1972.
✊🏼As the only intermediary organization in Hawai’i working with this constituency from a social justice perspective, we strive to be a model for progressive social change and a viable resource for a strong and enduring movement in the islands.
🤝Hawai’i People’s Fund supports passionate, grassroots community groups working for social justice in Hawai’i. These groups are often considered too small, too new, or too controversial by traditional funding organizations. We are dedicated to the most creative, passionate, and radical visions of community, bravely navigating the intersections of indigeneity, environment, race, class, labor, gender, ability, art, technology, mental health, incarceration, food, and other crucial issues we face."
✊🏼SHOW YOUR ALOHA AND SUPPORT HAWAIʻI PEOPLE'S FUND TODAY! 🙏hawaiipeoplesfund.org🙏
***We’re urging the Honolulu City Council, DPP, and developers to pause Turtle Bay’s expansion and give the community a real voice. Outdated agreements and waived reviews ignore critical issues like rising sea levels, endangered species, traffic, and cultural preservation. We’re calling for an updated SEIS, requiring a new SMA permit application and a renegotiated unilateral agreement with fair community benefits and full compliance with Native Hawaiian protections to safeguard our ʻāina and prevent further strain on overburdened local and natural resources.
Use our easy letter writing toolkit @linktr.ee/kupaakuilima
Share our petition @ change.org/protectturtlebay
Put your road signs up to let them know how the community feels!