🚨 HEADS UP: Arete @ CWRM Agenda 🚨

Arete will be on the Commission on Water Resource Management (CWRM) agenda this Tuesday, Sept. 16, 2025, @ 9 AM (Agenda Item B2).

📄 Agenda link: https://files.hawaii.gov/dlnr/cwrm/agenda/2025/ag20250916.pdf
📺 Livestream: https://www.youtube.com/user/dlnrcwrm
📑 Staff Submittal (details): https://files.hawaii.gov/dlnr/cwrm/submittal/2025/sb20250916B2.pdf

What’s on the table:
Applicant Wasatch Arete TB Holdings (linked to Turtle Bay Resort landowners Host Hotels & Resorts) is seeking approval of a Stream Channel Alteration Permit (SCAP.6438.3). The proposal would install a new culvert system for roadway access within the Turtle Bay Resort property, crossing ʻŌʻio Stream (East Main Drain) in Kahuku, Oʻahu.

This project was previously approved in 2022, but the permit expired due to changes in land ownership. Arete is now back for re-approval.

⚠️ Why it matters: Any alteration to streams affects our ecosystems, water flow, and the health of our communities. Once approved, these changes are long-lasting.

Ways to take action:
 ✍🏽 Submit written testimony:

Email: Suzanne.M.Kariya-Ramos@hawaii.gov + dlnr.cwrm@hawaii.gov
🎤 Testify in person: CWRM, 1151 Punchbowl St., Room 132 (Kalanimoku Bldg), Honolulu

📞 Testify by phone: +1 (719) 359-4580 (instructions on agenda)

💻 Testify by Zoom: Email Suzanne.M.Kariya-Ramos@hawaii.gov to request the link

🕒 Testimony limited to 2 minutes.

➡️ Community presence matters. Whether by written, Zoom, or in-person testimony, let’s make sure decision-makers know we are watching and we care.

Six Updates You Should Know: 

• Phase 1 Building Permits: The DPP website shows that the Phase 1 permits issue date is April 10, 2025. Phase 1 includes buildings 1 - 4, a lift station, and site work.
• New Grading Permits: The DPP website now shows a new grading permit for TMKs covering the area spanning from the current hotel to the entire RR3 development site. This is most likely for constructing the new road called Kaihalulu East Drive.
• Arete Development Update: The Arete Development website confirms continuation of road work, foundation work, irrigation and drainage work, golf course work, and more. https://oahu-arete.com/development-update-september-2025/ph text
• More Iwi Finds Reported: Arete Development reported new inadvertent discoveries of iwi kūpuna at the September 10th, 2025, OIBC Meeting. The meeting recording has not been posted yet. https://dlnr.hawaii.gov/shpd/files/2025/09/2025-09-10_OIBC-BOARD-PACKET.pdf
• New Shoreline Certification Sought: In the August 8th Environmental Notice, there was a posting for Proposed Shoreline Certifications or Rejections for the following TMKs: 57001048 (H2 - Hotel 2); 57001050 (RR3); and 57001049 (Comfort Station). https://files.hawaii.gov/dbedt/erp/The_Environmental_Notice/2025-08-08-TEN.pdf text
• Petition hits 19,400+: Mahalo nui to all who stand with us to protect this place we love!

Stay Tuned for Some Big Announcements Coming Soon!