The developers had initially announced their intention to commence 'vertical construction' on December 1. However, this did not materialize. A significant high-end development project at Turtle Bay on Oahu's North Shore remains on hold as the developers address the comments received during the review by the Honolulu Department of Planning and Permitting.

Key Details and Timeline

Utah-based Areté Collective applied for permits nearly two years ago. They aim to build up to 350 private residential units on 65 acres of land near the Turtle Bay Resort at Kuilima Bay. The DPP reviewed plans for the first four buildings, each with five units priced between $6 and $8 million. Curtis Lum from the DPP confirmed that the initial review was completed and the plans were returned with comments, and they are now awaiting a response.Aerial views show the progress of grading and clearing work since April. Contractors have been clearing and grading the first building location known as RR3. The project has drawn significant community attention due to the environmental sensitivity of the coastal location and its legal history.Areté's CEO Rebecca Buchan stated that the company is actively responding to the DPP's comments and will not start any vertical construction until obtaining final ministerial approval. Buchan had previously paused 'vertical and horizontal construction' for more public outreach but expected to resume building on December 1.Groups like the Kahuku Community Association and Kupa’a Kuilima have been calling for a pause in all construction until the permitting process is complete. Areté was not required to go through a new environmental review as the 2013 Environmental Impact Statement was deemed adequate. Kupa’a Kuilima has circulated a petition for an updated SEIS and a renegotiation of the community benefits package.