Hawaii

Mark Zuckerberg is building 'post-apocalyptic bunker' in Hawaii: What to know – Times of India

Published

2 years ago

January 1, 2024

Mark Zuckerberg, CEO of Meta, and his wife Priscilla Chan, co-founder and co-CEO of the Chan Zuckerberg Initiative, are reportedly constructing a 5,000-square-foot underground bunker on their Hawaii ranch. This facility, designed to be self-sufficient in energy and food, is part of their expansive 1,400-acre Ko’olau Ranch on Kauai. The bunker’s entrance will feature a metal door filled with concrete, a standard in bunker and bomb shelter construction, a Wired report said.
Driving the news

Situated off a two-lane highway on Kauai’s northeast side, the compound is hidden behind a 6-foot wall, heavily guarded and patrolled.
The extensive construction involves hundreds of workers, all bound by strict nondisclosure agreements.
The ranch, still under development, is expected to include over a dozen buildings with a total of 30 bedrooms and bathrooms, two independent mansions, 11 treehouses, a fitness center, guest houses, and operational buildings.
Despite the extensive development, the couple’s spokesperson, Brandi Hoffine Barr, emphasized their commitment to preserving the ranch’s natural beauty. They plan to develop less than one percent of the land, dedicating the remainder to farming, ranching, conservation, open spaces, and wildlife preservation.

Scale and secrecy

Spanning approximately 1,400 acres, the compound, known as Koolau Ranch, is set to be a self-sufficient fortress with its own energy and food supplies. The project’s total cost, including land purchases, exceeds $270 million.
The underground shelter’s purpose remains unclear, but Kauai County has historically encouraged homeowners to build hurricane-resistant safe rooms. The trend of Silicon Valley elites investing in property and constructing bunkers has been noted, with entrepreneurs selling luxury underground apartments and engaging in doomsday preparations.

Worker insights

Workers on the property are subject to strict non-disclosure agreements, though the spokesperson did not comment on this aspect.
Former employees, referred to as David and John for anonymity, describe a culture of silence akin to “fight club.” Workers are segregated by project, and sharing information, even a photo on social media, can lead to immediate dismissal.

Local impact: Kauai, a community of about 73,000, is witnessing a transformation due to this project.The construction has brought increased traffic and a shift in the island’s dynamics, with locals speculating about the compound’s purpose.
Broader implications

The project’s secrecy has fueled rumors and speculation among locals. Some believe it to be a post-apocalyptic bunker, while detailed plans suggest a luxurious retreat with extensive security measures.
Zuckerberg and his wife, Priscilla Chan, have donated over $20 million to Kauai nonprofits since 2018. Their philanthropy, coupled with strategic political connections, has raised questions about their influence on the island.
The compound’s development highlights the tension between wealthy outsiders and local communities in Hawaii. While Zuckerberg’s presence brings jobs and donations, it also contributes to the changing landscape and challenges facing the local population.

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Hawaii

2026 Sony Open field is announced. See who’s playing in Hawaii

Published

2 hours ago

January 9, 2026

Press Room

2026 Sony Open field is announced. See who’s playing in Hawaii

The Sony Open in Hawaii has the honors of being the kickoff event to the 2026 PGA Tour season after the cancellation of The Sentry at Kapalua this season.

Instead of Maui, the Tour debuts in Honolulu on the island of Oahu, Jan. 15-18, at the Seth Raynor-designed Waialae Country Club, where Nick Taylor prevailed in a playoff over Nico Echavarria last year.

Among the changes this season is the field size, which was reduced from 144 to 120, and, there is no longer is a Monday qualifier offering four spots. Will that help with pace of play? Stay tuned.

The field includes the following notables in addition to Taylor and Echavarria: Daniel Berger, Keegan Bradley, Michael Brennan, Corey Conners, Tony Finau, Chris Gotterup, Brian Harman, Russell Henley, Billy Horschel, Robert MacIntyre, Collin Morikawa, Adam Scott, Jordan Spieth, Sahith Theegala, Gary Woodland and 62-year-old Vijay Singh.

Here’s the full field for the Sony Open, which will be live on Golf Channel all four days as well as NBC with early-round coverage on Saturday and Sunday.

This year’s Sony purse is $9.1 million and the winner also will receive 500 FedEx Cup points.

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Hawaii

Hawaii Pacific basketball teams split with Menlo | Honolulu Star-Advertiser

Published

14 hours ago

January 9, 2026

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Hawaii

Hawaii County accepting applications for Summer Fun employees

Published

1 day ago

January 8, 2026

Press Room

Hawaii County accepting applications for Summer Fun employees

HAWAII ISLAND (HawaiiNewsNow) – The County of Hawaii Department of Parks and Recreation is now accepting applications for temporary positions in its 2026 Summer Fun program.

The two positions available are Activity Aide I ($17.50 per hour) and Activity Aide II ($19 per hour).

To be considered for employment, applicants must possess a valid first-aid certification, attend mandatory training June 2–5, and be available to work June 8–July 17.

Applications are available online on the Parks and Recreation website, and must be submitted to the Recreation Division Office at 799 Pi‘ilani St., Hilo, HI 96720, postmarked by Saturday, Feb. 28.

For more information, call the Recreation Division Office at (808) 961-8740.

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