Endanged Plants and Wildlife
Marine Life Protected Species and Habitat
Areté has hired Hawaiʻi Marine Animal Response (HMAR), which uses specifically trained employees to conduct regular surveys of the Turtle Bay area to document the presence of protected marine species as well as human activity in the area. Operating under agreements, permits and other relationships with NOAA, U.S. Fish & Wildlife, and the Hawaiʻi DLNR, for nearly 10 years HMAR has been the leading field response, rescue, and stranding support organization supporting Hawaiian monk seals, sea turtles, and seabirds along 180 miles of Oʻahu and Moloka‘i shorelines. With years of experience monitoring and responding to marine protected animals in the Turtle Bay area, HMAR is using its personnel and survey work to benchmark protected species and human use of the public shoreline in the area over time.
Mōlī – Laysan Albatross
In 2015, a collaborative effort involving Federal, State, and City governments, community organizations, landowners, and private individuals led to the permanent protection of 634 acres of coastal land from development. That same year, the North Shore Community Land Trust began the restoration of approximately 39 acres of coastal dunes. Thanks to the dedication of thousands of volunteers over the years, about five acres of coastal sand dune ecosystem have been successfully restored, providing essential landing areas for the Laysan albatross or mōlī.
Areté remains dedicated to restoring the primary and secondary dunes near Kaihalulu Beach. By removing invasive ironwood trees and reintroducing native vegetation, we aim to expand critical habitats, creating more space for seabirds like the mōlī to land and thrive.
The successful return of the albatross is a direct result of these previous shoreline rehabilitation efforts.
Native Flora & Fauna at Job Sites
AECOS biologists perform monthly checks of plants and animals in the area, focusing on native and protected species. Their reports identify key species, sensitive habitats, and offer guidance to reduce environmental harm.
Construction workers and consultants receive an Endangered Species training to recognize protected species. They learn best practices, such as timing activities to avoid disturbances, maintaining buffer zones, and following noise and light habitat protection measures. This training ensures compliance with environmental laws and promotes responsible stewardship to protect Hawaii’s unique ecosystems.
Nalo Meli Maoli – Hawaiian, Yellow-Faced Bees
During the proposed shoreline rehabilitation works, Areté will preserve vegetation that serves as a habitat for native bees, including plants like beach heliotrope and naupaka. An entomologist has conducted a survey of the shoreline and follow-up surveys will be performed throughout the project’s duration. Areas where bees are observed will have additional protective measures put in place. The rehabilitation includes native plants that are known food sources for yellow-faced bees. These plants are included in the shoreline planting list and support bee populations.
Sea Level Rise
In May 2022, Sea Engineering, Inc. completed a study to help BRE Turtle Bay Development LLC understand current and future coastal hazards affecting the RR3 and H2 sites. The study looked at the risks from potential sea level rise (SLR) and current floodplain hazards. It used Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRMs) for existing flood risks and Sea Level Rise – Exposure Area (SLR-XA) maps from the University of Hawai’i to analyze future impacts.
To get a clearer picture, the study included detailed modeling based on high-resolution bathymetric (underwater) and topographic (land surface) data. The analysis focused on a scenario with 3.2 feet of SLR, using NOAA projections to estimate when this might happen—around 2090 (intermediate scenario) or 2070 (intermediate-high scenario).
Using this data, the layout and design of the RR3 and H2 sites were planned to ensure they could handle future SLR impacts. The designs exceeded floodplain requirements based on FEMA’s Base Flood Elevations (BFE), which already provide stronger standards than those required for the predicted passive flooding and high-wave events under 3.2 feet of SLR.
Archaeology
Kahuku’s rich cultural and historical significance is something we do not take lightly. In preparation for construction and expansion projects, comprehensive archaeological surveys and monitoring plans have been implemented to identify and protect these cultural resources. An Archaeological Monitoring Plan and archaeological mitigation plan have been developed to address and avoid potential impacts on archaeological deposits and cultural sites within the vicinity. An Archaeologist is on-site at all times that construction occurs, and should inadvertent discoveries be discovered, there is a plan for honoring and preserving these significant sites with the utmost care.
Traffic Improvement & Implementation
A traffic study and improvement plan based on the 2016 Turtle Bay Resort Master Plan was submitted to DPP and HDOT. As the plan evolved under Areté Collective, updated traffic counts were collected, and revised plans were sent to DPP and HDOT in May and November 2022. HDOT approved the plan in 2022, and the City Traffic Review Branch acknowledged receipt, noting HDOT’s jurisdiction over Kamehameha Highway.
While Turtle Bay is a major North Shore economic hub, most traffic is created by visitors and residents traveling from other parts of Oahu, with bottlenecks at Laniakea, Waimea, Pipeline/Sunset (during surf season), and regional schools during peak hours. The planned RR3 development will add 100 units with an average occupancy of 4–8 people per stay. Updated forecasts shared with HDOT and the City show this will not significantly impact traffic or require Kamehameha Highway improvements until future hotel zoned development takes place.