Climate Action Forum to discuss reclaiming Coco Palms wetlands

The Kaua‘i Climate Action Forum – made up of local environmental groups Zero Waste Kaua‘i, Kaua‘i Climate Action Coalition and the Surfrider Foundation Kaua‘i Chapter – will discuss “Building Climate Resilience” by reclaiming the Wailuanuiaho’āho Wetlands, also known as Coco Palms Resort, at its July 12 online forum.

The dilapidated Coco Palms property is currently slated to be replaced by a new 350-room hotel. But many community members are opposed to developers’ plans.

Kaua’i community group I Ola Wailuanui has launched a grassroots fundraising campaign to purchase the derelict resort that has been in ruins since Hurricane Iniki destroyed it in 1992.

I Ola Wailuanui members Pua Rossi, a professor of Hawaiian studies, and Fern Holland, an environmental consultant, will discuss the possible impacts of halting the 350-room resort on Kauai’s East Side and restoring the wetlands in the area, culturally and environmentally.

The online forum will be held July 12, from 6 to 7:30 p.m. on Zoom. Register at bit.ly/Reclaimingwetlands to receive a recording of the meeting, or watch live on Zero Waste Kaua‘i’s FaceBook page.

The July 12 forum is part of an ongoing series on climate-related forums from Kaua‘i Climate Action Coalition, Surfrider Foundation Kaua‘i and Zero Waste Kaua‘i.

For more information email kauaiclimate@gmail.com.