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Barack And Nesbit Take A Beach Stroll After Touring The Willy Wonka Chocolate Factory. |
- Officials confirm Obama plans to live at the secretive building project on Hawaiian island of Oahu
- His close friend and confidant Marty Nesbitt purchased property for $8.7 million in 2015
- Famous mansion from Magnum PI TV series was torn down to build the new compound
- New report reveals planning loophole used to preserve century-old seawall on beachfront
- Experts say such seawalls contribute to beach erosion and can damage the coastal environment
The beachfront compound in Hawaii where former President Barack Obama reportedly plans to someday retire used a planning loophole to retain a seawall that is likely causing beach erosion, according to a new report.
State officials and community members confirmed to ProPublica that Obama plans to reside in the compound on Oahu, which was purchased for $8.7 million by his close friend Marty Nesbitt in 2015.
After tearing down the site's mansion made famous as the house from Magnum PI, developers are building three homes, two pools and a security perimeter on the three-acre beachfront parcel, permits show.
However, the century-old seawall on the property is set to remain, despite state policies designed to preserve Hawaii’s natural coastlines and environmental experts who say such structures cause coastal damage and beach erosion.
Construction is seen underway on the property in the Waimanalo community. Officials and locals say Obama plans to move to the compound when it is complete
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The beach has almost completely disappeared along the property, due to erosion along the seawall. In the water, the outline of an ancient turtle pond is seen |
The property was purchased for $8.7 million by Obama's close friend Marty Nesbitt in 2015. Above, the two are seen vacationing nearby on Oahu during Obama's presidency
The site will have stunning views over Waimanalo Bay. Construction on the compound is still underway
The property was formerly the site of one of Hawaii's most famous homes, the mansion from Magnum PI (above) which was torn down in 2018 to make way for construction
The reason: a loophole that allowed the sellers of the property to obtain an easement on the seawall for a one-time payment of $61,400 before it was sold in 2015, according to ProPublica.
The easement is essentially a 55-year lease on the public land that sits under the seawall, giving the private property owner the ability to keep it.
Such easements have come under criticism in Hawaii, though they are far from rare, with some 120 being awarded over the past two decades.
The developers of the property are now reportedly pursuing an expansion of the seawall - angering community members who point out that the existing beach along the property has nearly disappeared, and who view Obama as a proponent of environmental sustainability.
The new compound is nestled in the Native Hawaiian community of Waimanalo, not far from where Obama would often spend his Christmases as president, frequently being spotted strolling or golfing with...