HONOLULU (KHON2) -- Recently, there was an expose on Mark Zuckerberg's Kauaʻi compound where he and his partner have been making waves in the local community. As sea levels rise, you're probably asking yourself why he's investing so much money into a compound that will be impacted by beach erosi on, rising ocean levels and a disappearing island. One article that gives a bit of insight into why Zuckerberg is sinking so much money into the property comes from a tech futurist writer with The Guardian. This writer was asked by the world's biggest tech leaders to a meeting to explain to them how to survive the coming environmental apocalypse and resultant societal collapse. After talking to the tech industry leaders about communal endeavors and providing meaning in lives in order to survive what is to come, the techies took away one frenetic understanding: enslavement of the people is their only hope of maintaining control. So, when locals sound the alarm about concerns regarding big investments in their communities, they're trying to tell us something. This led KHON2.com to do a bit of digging to find out what's happening on Kauaʻi. 1. Massive, secret construction project Mark Zuckerberg has been building a 1,400-acre compound on Kauaʻi’s northeast coast, known as Koolau Ranch. This estate features several buildings that include two grand mansions linked by an underground tunnel that leads to a 5,000-square-foot shelter. The development is designed to be self-sustaining and to provide its own energy and food resources. 2. Strict NDAs enforced Workers, from construction crews to security personnel, are legally bound by non-disclosure agreements (NDAs). Some have reportedly been fired for sharing project details. These NDAs are strictly enforced. 3. Highly secure site The property is equipped with numerous security and privacy features. These include a six-foot perimeter wall that blocks views from nearby roads. There are security guards to monitor the entrance and surrounding areas. The property also boasts a network of more than 20 surveillance cameras in some buildings. Additionally, many doors are keypad-operated and soundproofed for privacy, and "blind doors" blend seamlessly with walls for extra discretion to ensure a high level of security on the estate. 4. Underground bunker included The compound includes a 5,000-square-foot underground shelter with a blast-resistant metal and concrete door that is accessible via a tunnel. The shelter features living spaces and an escape hatch and is part of a larger trend of tech billionaires preparing for potential societal collapse. While Zuckerberg downplays it as a “little shelter” for practical use, others view it as part of a doomsday preparedness movement amongst the ultra-wealthy and reflects their concerns about societal disruptions and a desire for self-sufficiency and security. 5. Self-sustaining property The site has its own water supply, energy sources, and agricultural production to make it fully independent in case of an emergency. The property includes a 55-foot-diameter water tank with a pump for a reliable water source. While details about the energy systems are not disclosed, the compound generates its own power. Spanning 1,400 acres, the estate is used for ranching and agriculture that includes raising Wagyu and Angus cattle for high-quality beef. 6. Opulent tech retreat Plans for the compound show two mansions totaling 57,000 square feet. It also indicates 11 treehouse-style guest lodges are connected by rope bridges. There is also a full recreational and wellness gym, multiple private pools, a sauna, a hot tub, a cold plunge and a tennis court. Get Hawaii's latest morning news delivered to your inbox, sign up for News 2 You 7. Extreme secrecy and legal maneuvering The project has reportedly used legal loopholes and political connections to move forward which has sparked local concerns. In 2016, Zuckerberg initiated "quiet title" lawsuits to acquire land owned by Native Hawaiian families through ancestral inheritance. By doing this, he sparked protests from locals and indigenous groups who feared displacement. After public backlash, Zuckerberg withdrew the lawsuits in 2017 and apologized for not understanding the process and its impact. Additionally, Zuckerberg and his wife, Priscilla Chan, engaged with local political leaders like Kauaʻi Mayor Derek Kawakami; and of course, this raised questions about the role of political connections in advancing their development. Although he ended up withdrawing these lawsuits, his company continued acquiring shares and increased its stake in the land from 24.1% to 43.9%. These actions have fueled ongoing debates about land ownership, development and the tension between private interests and indigenous rights in Hawaiʻi. 8. $270 million+ price tag Costs for the compound include $170 million in land acquisitions and at least $100 million in construction. Totaling more than $270 million, these expenses have ranked the compound as one of the most expensive private residences in recent history. 9. Safety concerns and workplace accidents A 70-year-old security guard named Rodney Medeiros died in August 2019 when he suffered a fatal heart attack while walking up a steep, muddy trail during heavy rain at Koolau Ranch. Medeiros's family filed the lawsuit in August 2021. It alleged negligence and sought punitive damages. The case was settled confidentially in May 2024. There have been claims of a crane accident involving a local worker, but no public reports can confirm it. 10. Local community impact Kauaʻi residents have lost beach views due to tall walls, traffic has increased, and many workers are believed to be from outside the island, fueling tensions. Zuckerberg’s Kauaʻi compound, Koolau Ranch, has affected local residents in several ways: A 6-foot wall has obstructed ocean views and breezes that have caused dissatisfaction amongst nearby residents. The construction has led to increased traffic as many vehicles transport workers and materials; locals say it's impacting their ability to use their local roads. Additionally, concerns have arisen over the employment of non-local workers. Many workers on-site are from outside Kauaʻi, and this has led to frustration about limited job opportunities for locals. These issues have sparked debates about land use, community impact, outsiders moving into a community and the balance between private interests and public well-being in Kauaʻi. 11. Limited public engagement Zuckerberg's and Chan’s construction project on Kauaʻi has not undergone a public review process since it falls outside the Special Management Area conservation zone. This has raised concerns about its impact on the community and environment. The project's scale and strict non-disclosure agreements have fueled worries about transparency, infrastructure and cultural effects on Kauaʻi's communities. 12. Charitable efforts Zuckerberg and Chan have donated over $20 million to Kauaʻi nonprofits since 2018. These include a $4 million gift to preserve a traditional Hawaiian fishpond and $4.2 million for a county jobs program. 13. Political influence The couple has built relationships with local politicians, including hiring Arryl Kaneshiro, former chair of the Kauaʻi County Council, as a consultant. Critics question whether these ties give them undue influence over politics and socio-economic issues on the island. 14. Economic impact on locals Zuckerberg’s presence and investments on Kauaʻi have sparked mixed reactions from local residents. Some arguer that he's creating jobs and contributing to charity, while others argue his presence exacerbates housing unaffordability and shifts the local economy toward catering to the ultra-wealthy. Positive contributions: Zuckerberg's development projects have created jobs, both during construction and through ongoing operations that have provided employment and boosted the local economy. Additionally, Zuckerberg and wife Chan have contributed significant funds to affordable housing efforts. In November 2024, they donated $626,000 to the Kauhale O Kīlauea project that secured five homes for local families. Concerns amongst residents: However, concerns have arisen about rising property values and the increasing cost of living, which could make housing less affordable for locals. Critics worry that the development of luxury amenities caters more to wealthy visitors than the broader community. There is also anxiety over economic displacement, as many workers on the estate are seen as being from outside Kauaʻi. This has led to worries about the erosion of local culture. Get news on the go with KHON 2GO, KHON's morning podcast, every morning at 8 The Wired report has examined Zuckerberg's investments that bring some economic and philanthropic benefits, but it also found that he has raised concerns about housing affordability and the island's future socio-economic landscape. ...read more read less