Residents urge Kauai commissioners to revise Waipoli Courtyards relocation plan

In a recent Hawaiian Homes Commission meeting held on April 22, 2025, concerns surrounding the proposed acquisition of Waipoli Courtyards rental apartments took center stage. The meeting, attended by various stakeholders, highlighted the anxieties of residents facing potential displacement due to the plan, which could affect around 300 individuals.

Terry Watson, a resident of Waipoli, spoke passionately on behalf of those unable to attend, emphasizing the urgency of their situation. The residents had recently learned that the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) rejected the relocation plan proposed by InterWest, leaving many feeling uncertain about their future. Watson presented a letter from the residents, expressing gratitude for the opportunity to voice their concerns and urging the commission to consider the implications of the plan on the community.

The letter underscored three main concerns: the need for an updated relocation plan that allows adequate time for review, the importance of transparent communication regarding the data and methods used to create the relocation budget, and a request for clarity on whether the deadline for the purchase could be extended beyond May 7. The residents are particularly anxious about the rapid timeline and the potential for being relocated off-island, which they feel is not a viable solution.

Commissioners acknowledged the residents' concerns, with one noting that they had not yet received the letter mentioned by Watson. This lack of communication raised further questions about how the department plans to address the issues raised by the community.

As the meeting progressed, other topics were introduced, including discussions on water credits and cultural practices, but the focus remained on the pressing need for a clear and compassionate approach to the Waipoli situation. The urgency of the residents' plight resonated throughout the meeting, leaving a palpable sense of concern for the future of those affected.

With the deadline looming, the commission faces the challenge of balancing development goals with the well-being of the community, a task that will require careful consideration and open dialogue in the days ahead. The outcome of this situation will not only impact the residents of Waipoli but also set a precedent for how similar issues are handled in the future.