Molokai Ranch to shut down

The owner of Molokai Ranch announced this morning that it is shutting down all of its operations on the island on April 5.

Lodging-related facilities closing on the 60,000 acre ranch include its Molokai Lodge, Kaupoa Beach Village and Kaluakoi Golf Course.

A spokesperson for owner Molokai Properties Limited told us that travelers with reservations for lodging or activities at Molokai Ranch should call toll-free (888) 627-8082 for refunds. Refunds will also be given to anyone wishing to cancel lodging reservations for dates before April 5. Travelers already committed to Molokai air travel will be assisted with other lodging on the island.

Molokai Ranch’s management is blaming the closure on continued opposition from Molokai residents to its long-term development plans for its property. Molokai Ranch’s development plans included the construction of a 200-lot luxury subdivision on 500 acres of beachfront land at Laau Point, the island’s westernmost peninsula.

A campaign to raise funds to purchase all of Molokai Properties holdings on the island was launched last year by community group Hoi I Ka Pono.

“For the past five years, MPL has been working with Molokai community leaders and community members on developing and implementing a master plan for MPL’s property and the future of Molokai,” company CEO Peter Nicholas said in a press release today. “Unacceptable delays caused by continued opposition to every aspect of the master plan means we are unable to fund continued normal company operations.”

Access to all of Molokai Ranch’s substantial acreage will be blocked indefinitely after April 5. The ranch’s more than 120 employees will be laid off over the next 60 days.

Molokai Properties Limited is a subsidiary of Singapore-based GuocoLeisure Ltd.