Hawaii Resort Developers Undeterred by Holiday Fire

Developers trying to rebuild an iconic Kauai resort ravaged by a hurricane say they’re moving forward after the Coco Palms suffered another disaster: An Independence Day fire.

Last week’s fire destroyed the main lobby and badly burned the breezeway of a connecting building.

Developers have been trying to raise money to revitalize the historic hotel made famous by Elvis Presley. Hurricane Iniki destroyed the resort in 1992. It’s the only major hotel that never reopened after the storm.

The Garden Island reports it’s not clear how the fire impacts restoration efforts, including preserving a portion of the lobby.

Coco Palms Hui, LLC Principal Tyler Greene calls the fire a “little speed bump.”

The cause of the fire remains under investigation.