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