Volume 1, Number 5
FREE
October, 2024
Controversial Mansion In Napili Goes On Sale For $12.9 Millon
By Taryn Kama
A
sprawling mansion in Napili with a fraught history is up for sale at just under $13 million. It's been listed for about one month and was built by contractor Greg Brown. The property, located at 5385 Lower Honoapiilani Road, has drawn heated opposition from neighbors since construction began four years ago. Despite objections, the 7,344-square-foot estate now stands complete, boasting 12 bedrooms, 12 bathrooms, and an array of luxury features. The home is equipped with a heated rooftop pool and jetted spa, an outdoor kitchen with a built-in barbecue, an elevator, two dining rooms, two great rooms, and 14 smart TVs. It can sleep 24 guests. The MLS listing has an important caveat: “Buyer to do their own due diligence.” It notes the 45-foot-tall house received an exemption from Special Management Area rules by Maui County. Among many issues, there are questions about the massive structure’s compliance with zoning and permitting rules. This discrepancy is just one part of a broader saga involving the mansion’s controversial construction history. While the property is currently appraised at $1.9 million in county assessment records, its value on the open market reflects not just the amenities but also its contentious history and ongoing legal uncertainties. Local realtor Tyler Coons has the listing and noted that the County approved the building. He said that there have been a few interested parties, and he is looking forward to selling the home quickly. He described the property as very unique and well-built, with one of the best views on the West Side. However, concerned citizens and the Napili Bay Association, which formed to help fight the construction, plan to try to halt the sale of the house, noting that litigation has been filed against the County and the builder. Sam Small, a video producer, head of the
The mansion. Photo: Maui Pulse
nonprofit Maui Causes, and a member of the Napili Bay Association, said neighbors hope to stop the sale to protect both the buyers and the community. He also noted there has been litigation filed. Chris Salem, a local activist and former county employee, has filed a legal complaint against the County. He believes the County is in gross negligence in enforcing Shoreline Management Area (SMA) regulations. He believes that SMA rules were not followed, not just in the case of this house, but for many properties on Maui. From the outset, neighbors were troubled by the home’s size and height, which reaches 45 feet, well beyond what many believed to be in compliance with local regulations. Neighbors have been fighting the County on the matter for years. The Maui County Council held multiple hearings in response, and citizens called for an investigation, which was granted, but it was never carried out. The County issued several stop-work orders during construction, but ultimately, the community’s efforts to block the building's completion were unsuccessful.
Confounding the situation, it is not zoned for short-term rental, and is being marketed for sale as a residential home. Reported by the news organization, Civil Beat, in 2023, county planning director Kathleen Ross Aoki issued a letter warning of fines up to $20,000 and more if the property was rented short-term in violation of its zoning. This was after Brown’s lawyer sent a letter saying it would be offered for short-term rental. Despite its tumultuous past, the mansion is being marketed as one of the premier luxury properties on Maui. With a price tag of nearly $13 million, the sale could bring closure to years of controversy – or re-ignite the debate with Maui County and the community.
What's Inside:
Making Space Safe For All Nations...............3 Heated Debate on Temp. Vacation Rentals..4 Laptops Given Away to Help Residents........5 Halloween Lore: Nightmarchers...................7 Maui Surfers Rank High inWSL..................10