Kona Village Resort Update.
 

For those three of you who care:
The rebuilding at Kona Village Resort has started. In fact, it started seven months ago. The utilities are the first step in the repairs. All the plumbing, electrical, sewer and gas lines are being replaced. The Village has trenches everywhere. This task is large, time consuming and expensive. The owner estimates between 15 and 20 million dollars. The cost is a result of digging multiple trenches, each utility must have its own trench, craved through lava. No work can be done before the utilities are complete.

Approximately two weeks ago, the owners announced some new information about the resort. Apparently there will be a new reception area, a new administration building, a new spa, and new retail space. None of this is particularly shocking. The also intend to redo the restaurants, bars and pools. Finally, they intend to add a presidential hale, which is a fancy way to a large big buck suite. Again, no surprises there.

Reviewing statements by the County and the owners, it is likely that KVR will not have to get a new building permit. They will be allowed to build under a 1987 expansion permit. The limitations seem to be any structure that was within 40 feet of the high water mark can be rebuilt as long as it conforms to the modern building code and the dimensions of the new structure match the old structure. Again, these new buildings must be approved by the county but they do not have to go through a permit hearing.

Regarding the new structures beyond 40 feet, they must meet the new building code but it is felt that they do not need to through entire permit procedure. County approval of the plans is necessary.

The above explains why the reconstruction has begun without any new building permits.

There is no official word regarding when the renew resort will open. Best guesses are between December 2014 and July 2015. If construction on the new buildings and remodeling of the hales is started by this November, December 2014 is doable.
Bill @ Save Kona Village Facebook Page

Thanks for the update. It is still crazy that the 4S was able to recover so quickly yet Kona Village has been in limbo. We never did visit, but hope they can mantain their original concept which is very unique in the islands.

Thanks for the update. I have very fond memories of Kona Village Resort.

Lookin, the damage at Kona Village was extensive. The damage at the 4Seasons can be described as a flesh wound. There was no utility or foundation damage at the 4S. There was some restaurant damage and I believe four or five units had water damage. Finally there was landscaping damage. Time consuming but not a fatal wound.
Kona Village's utilities were completely destroyed. It lost 12 hales and the boutique. Many more hales suffered water damage. Two restaurants were damage as did two bars. It probably will cost 35-40 million to repair the damage.

I am happy that there is light at the end of the tunnel for KVR and for those of you that are fans.

hopefully it will improve the place. Was not impressed with our dinner that we drove quite a ways to get to. Sitting on iron patio chairs with paper thin cushions looking at stacked beach chairs and a hose are not my idea of scenic hawaii for dinner.

Yah Shar we know your dislike of the Village. I would think after 45 million in improvements, you still won't like it.

What good news! Gosh, we may live long enough to get there again someday -- knowing how many delays are in the way of building in Hawaii. Don't you wonder if Ellison knows what he's biting off on Lanai?

I see the Hyatt Andaz is opening this fall on Maui -- what, about two years after the projected opening? (NOT to compare that glitz to KVR.)