Areté and Host Hotels & Resorts, the owner of the Ritz Carlton Oahu, Turtle Bay, are neighboring property owners. In 2021, Areté was selected by Blackstone Real Estate (BRE), the previous owner of the Turtle Bay Resort, to work on the master planning of a residential development adjacent to the Resort. Ultimately, BRE opted not to proceed with the residential development. Areté subsequently elected to purchase the land parcels, which are entitled for up to 350 resort residential and hotel units, and plans to develop them independently as a legacy property.

Areté Hawaii is led by seasoned local real estate development executives with extensive experience at Turtle Bay and on neighboring islands. We are working with all Oahu-based contractors and project managers with years of experience working on the North Shore, including Goodfellow Bros (construction), ASM Affiliates (archaeology and historical preservation), and other local contractors and consultants. Additionally, we are seeking input from the North Shore Community Land Trust, Hui Kū Maoli Ola, and other community leaders to address community concerns and ensure native plant restoration, wildlife conservation and public access to the shoreline and trails are at the forefront for the responsible development of the project.

Prices for the residential units have yet to be finalized. Sales information is expected to be shared in Q4 2024.

Areté is developing resort residential condominiums that will not allow owners to lease or rent their units to the general public. This stipulation will be outlined in their recorded condominium declaration and will be enforced by the condominium association. There is expected to be staff onsite to ensure this rule is followed.

The community should see no adverse effect from water use at the development. The Turtle Bay Resort Water Master Plan takes into account Areté’s proposed development and the projected water consumption is well within the approved Water Master Plan parameters.  Furthermore, Areté plans to reduce water consumption by incorporating native landscaping, reducing turf grass, and promoting water-saving technologies in buildings.

The community should see no adverse effect to wastewater flow. The approved Turtle Bay Resort Wastewater Master Plan takes into account Areté’s proposed development and projected wastewater flows. The existing onsite wastewater treatment plant has more than enough capacity to accommodate the projected demand.

Operations of the Fazio and Palmer golf courses will be managed by Areté. Over the coming years, Areté plans to upgrade the golf experience by reducing irrigated turf grass areas, installing more efficient irrigation systems, and increasing native plant landscape areas.

Yes, there are an approved Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement (SEIS) and Special Management Area (SMA) Use Permit that remain valid. In July 2022, the Department of Planning and Permitting (DPP) confirmed that the SEIS is still valid and no further updates to the SMA Permit or additional environmental impact reports are required for Areté’s development. DPP found that, since the SEIS was originally approved with a much more substantial build out than Areté’s current development, the potential environmental impacts under the approved SEIS were much greater than the environmental impacts of the current proposal. Similarly, the original SMA Permit contemplated a project in significantly greater intensity and density than what is currently proposed. [View/Download SMA Permit]

The UA is a long-standing agreement entered into in 1986 by the original developer of the Resort area that obligates any future owner to meet certain conditions imposed by the City and County of Honolulu. The UA allows for expansion of the Resort area and for the construction of resort residential and hotel units with certain conditions aimed at preserving the local environment, upgrading infrastructure as phased development occurs, ensuring public access to beaches, and maintaining open space. Host Hotels & Resorts is responsible for compliance and implementation of the UA. However, in connection with Areté’s land purchase, Areté has accepted certain limited obligations under the UA, including park improvements, access and parking improvements, roadway improvements, and a childcare center. [View/Download Unilateral Agreement]

The Casuarina ironwood trees, while well-established, are considered an invasive species in Hawaii.

The Ironwood trees are very fast growing and can grow as much as 5-10’ per year.  Due to the fast growth, ironwoods have a shallow root system, making them susceptible to falling over in high winds.  

Ironwoods can prevent the growth of ALL other plants in their understory, and can alter the structure and composition of native ecosystems.  Dense growth of ironwoods along coastal strands can interfere with the nesting habits of endangered sea turtles and seabirds.

The native plants we are restoring can actually retain sand and help build the dune system.  In addition, we are not removing the stumps or root systems of the ironwood, this prevents any disturbance to the existing dune.  

Their removal is part of a restoration effort to enhance the primary and secondary dune structures along the coastline, encouraging the return of native wildlife and to create a healthier, more sustainable ecosystem.