Sometimes you just can’t catch a break. And so it appears to be the case with billionaire and part-time Kauai resident Mark Zuckerberg. Three issues caught our attention. First is that even living part-time on Kauai, surfing every day, and being one of the wealthiest men on the planet doesn’t soothe the feeling Zuckerberg has that he is being punched in the stomach. The second is that he is being sued for significant unpaid Kauai builder’s fees, resulting in a contractor’s lien being placed on his property. And third, the questionable coconut wireless says there may be even bigger plans afoot such as a private marina for his yacht.
Punch #1.
In the first punch, literally to the gut, billionaire Zuckerberg said, “[I] wake up in the morning, look at my phone to get a million messages. It’s almost like every day you wake up, and you’re like punched in the stomach.”
He said that the news is never good; it’s always bad. Previously he’d said that he used to run to clear his mind, but when that stopped working, he moved to surfing. Zuckerberg said, “When you’re out there in the water, it’s pretty hard to focus on anything else.”
Maybe living on his 1,500-acre Kauai home helps too.
"It's almost like every day you wake up and you're like punched in the stomach."
— Mark Zuckerberg, one of the richest people in the world, describes waking up in the morning and looking at his messages pic.twitter.com/RhBpCArCLI
— The Recount (@therecount) August 25, 2022
Punch #2.
A Kauai construction company is suing Zuckerberg. They claim to have not been paid $134k owed for work that was done on his Pilaa Beach Kauai home. The lawsuit said they had been contracted to build various dwellings on the property. But they claim that their bill was never paid. The company has placed a lien on the property related to the money they claim they are owed.
Punch #3. Does Zuckerberg want to try to create a private yacht marina on Kauai?
This is a weird one. A Hawaii action network called Kia’i Report and its Twitter page (post below), allege that Zuckerberg may intend to “detonate a portion of Pilaa reef on Kauai to extend his TMK & build a private marina.”
We don’t know of this source personally, but we see that it is followed by credible news media in Hawaii. It has been rumored but denied that Zuckerberg owns the $150-$200M yacht “Ulysses,” which was purchased in Monaco.
In a follow-up post, Kia’a said that “While Kaua’i County & DLNR are officially stating this is false, our sources inside say this is a very real proposal being pushed by Zuckerberg…”
The rumors that Mark Zuckerberg may detonate a portion of Pila’a Reef on Kauaʻi to extend his TMK & build a private marina are highly alarming.
Something to keep your eye on… pic.twitter.com/kEW81kff5f
— Kiaʻi Report 🌋 (@Kiai_Report) August 29, 2022
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Seems like billionaires on the island should be paying enough in property taxes to offset or be used to repair / rebuild ingastructures and eyesore properties !!! They are super rich and certainly afford to help with increased taxes if other billionaire ‘s see that they will be required to carry a larger tax bill perhaps buying up all of the island will be slower!!!
But we all know if we follow the money and his multi-million dollar pay outs to institutions like University of Hawaii he could easily do the same to fund a DLNR or some other state program. Hell, they let millionaires all over Hawaii dig up ancestral remains of kanaka maoli despite vocal and adamant protest to build their beach front homes. What’s to stop them Freon doing the same to an entire reef system already destroyed by Pflueger(a property which he now also owns.). Not to mention the initial property purchase of Kuleana land that he paid off Carlos Andrade to sue his own family to sell out to Zuckerberg. Andrade I have heard just died within the last two years. The ancestors on Kauai and the energy will teach him eventually.
And we also know that the DLNR is known to be corrupt. Allowing the bleaching of the reefs and evening being apart of it. So it would actually surprise me if this is legit. It’s disgusting,sickening and just wrong on so many levels!!
Punch #4 he is also being sued for the negligence in the death of Rodney Medieros after offering this guys family $7500 dollars for his loss of wages. That doesn’t even cover their funeral costs probably. $7500 dollars is a slap in the face when you consider he probably pays that or more in one week to fly in his private MMA coach to roll around on his mats at his home gym.
Punch #5 In terms of good PR concerning ecological reef management; he and his wife donated $50 million dollars to the University of Hawaii’s reef research program recently just before this whistleblower dropped the news he intended to destroy an entire reef system on Kauai. Word on the coconut wireless that these are just the rumors of an ex-disgruntled employee.
1 of our county council members work for Zuckerberg. Kanashiro quit his grove farm gig and now is on team Zuch. And I’ve heard the most recent piece of land he purchased mauka he wants to put a small airplane landing strip.
I’ll never understand the mind of a billionaire. At what stage are they happy & fulfilled in life? Why do they need to continue to work? It really seems like the joy comes from destroying & conquering things.
Juan,
“Why do they need to continue to work?”
Because their work makes your life better or more enjoyable.
Don’t be an ingrate, it’s not a good look.
Zuckerberg has no regard for nature or local residents, and yes he does own Ulysses. I witnessed his disregard for the Very quiet residential Moorea cove I was staying in, when I woke up one morning, and there it was parked right in the middle of the cove obscuring everyone’s views. And for the next 3 days subjected all of us to the obnoxious takeoff and landing of his private helicopter flying back and forth off the yacht picking up guests, jet skis running amok, tender engines, and the yacht lights at night were beyond obnoxious. The yacht lights were so bright and disruptive, I sent a light morse code message to turn them down or off, with no response. Expect the same disregard and lack of respect if his yacht is parked in Kauai.
This is Hawaii — will happily take bribes and sell out the Aina and the People.
Zuckerberg seems to surround himself with controversy. Hiring people to do construction work, even if it is done to perfection, and not paying on completion is pure arrogant and infantile behavior. That fits Mark like a tailored suit, just remember how he took care of the people who “helped” create Facebook! Reefs are Ecologically Important until they are problematic and then Fodder for Explosives, His Yacht needs a home too. The phone, a bane to Tranquility, hire better people and pay them well. Not too difficult for peace on Kauai, is it? The Woes of Zuckerberg, a new show?
I care for him not. I hope the makaha sons are able to run him off. Send him to the arctic. It is better suited to his temperament.
…“detonate a portion of Pilaa reef on Kauai to extend his TMK & build a private marina.”
I can’t say for certain, obviously, but detonating part of a reef in Hawaii will only be allowed to happen sometime after the heat death of the universe. Requiring everyone in the United States to give me $2.00 is also “a very real proposal”, but it has an equal likelihood of happening: none at all.
When the Zuck wants something he typically gets it, he will offer to sink a large boat further off of the coast, maybe 2, creating a new reef. A few steak dinners and a “plentiful” handshake or 2 and it’s a done deal, that’s the way it’s done. Wealth has its own privileges and Marky Z takes advantage of them all just because he can. Immortality and Illegalities aside, those are for lesser people than he, he’s living His Dreams while creating nightmares for everyone else, can hardly wait for his next few projects, maybe an airport runway or three to reduce the number of housing units and a whole lot of trees! He’s Bold, Unruly and Brash and get in His way, he’ll turn everything in to Ash. It’s a Zucker’s World!
Wailapa Stream is bone dry. As a resident of Kauai for over 44 years, even after Koloko damn disaster, we had water in the Stream. It is now bone dry and rumours are abounding. Why? Other streams are flowing, but Koloko is shut off. A honest reason is all I ask.
Yes. Wailapa Stream is bone dry. No more prawns. No more night blue heron, no more life other than the rats and the wild boar using it as a runway up and down the valley.
Yet there are 3 streams exiting the Zuckerberg Pila’a property into the ocean which are running. Since Zuckerberg now owns the KaLoko dam property, I suspect he is diverting all the water to his Pila’a property.
Unfair and likely illegal. Where is the DLNR on this issue? No where to be found. Who in the government is clean and motivated to take up this issue?
I concur well said.
I’ll get really tired of people and their “so called love of Paradise,”& money coming in having things built not paying for them and then wanted to destroy the island to fit their needs in their lifestyle literally detonating a Beautiful Island Paradise!!! Are you kidding me Shame on you Mr. Zuckerberg
If Shaming Marky Z was a possibility those who “helped” create Facebook would have been extremely wealthy, they’re not. To those of Wealth “Shame” is just another badge of honor that can be laughed about. Shame only worries those of lesser stations in life. Destroying a reef, an island paradise, a way of life is not a problem. He will plant an ironwood tree in memorial, maybe buy a tropical fish for his aquarium! He’s riding the “Big Wave” of life and Nothing gets in His way for long, remember that his petty cash can buy much more than We will Ever make!
Oh, so sad too bad. A few kanaka’s were singing his praise because he donated to the food back. I say if he really cares about the Aina he’d peel off a Billion and contribute to the Ecological challenges the Islands are experiencing. In my personal opinion he’ll never be kamaina. He is the prime example why so many Hawaiian born people are houseless. Not homeless. Hawaii nei is their home. The blight of million and billionaires have raised infrastructure costs, cut off public access to sacred sites. These part time non residents have ruined the Islands. Sadly, the wealthier they are the entitlement factor they possess the worse it gets for the Aina and Ocean.
I can, and do, understand assigning blame to the Wealthy and the rich. Where Hawaiians are missing the Real Problem is putting the Real and Continuing Blame on your Elected Officials and Politicians. With all of the monies entering the coffers of these Bastions of Fiscal Responsibility there should be plenty of affordable housing, where did the money go and where’s the housing??? I Agree with Blaming the Wealthy and Foreign Investors, however, Let’s Not Forget those who Really Caused the Grief and where did the money go, did they get robbed by a thief?
Somehow I find it very hard to have any sympathy for Zuckerberg. As far as him feeling “Gut Punched” Good! I doubt that his “gut punch” feels like anything the average American feels when their “Gut Punched” at the pump, at the grocery store, at the pharmacy, in the unemployment line, at the bank! All these things Zuckerberg had a Huge hand in creating. Thats the “real” bad news millions of Americans wake up to each and everyday. The difference is that Zuckerberg goes out on the beautiful ocean and surfs to forget his problems. The average American is lucky to be able to afford a Late at the local Starbucks in the morning. Quite a difference in the strength of the “Gut Punch” when it comes to Zuckerberg vs Average American.
Please note a correction: Kia’i (not Kia’a). Kia’i are the living guardians of spirits, ancestors and nature. Kia’i is the name of the Mauna Kea protectors.
I’ve been following this blog for years – First As someone from the Mainland & now as a resident. I’m taken back by the opening theme. Are we to really feel sorry for this multi billionaire who created a fortune by stealing from his college friends and then continuing his unscrupulous business practices to get whatever he wants including his estate on Kauai. It’s called Karma baby. His worst is yet to come. And the amount he owes the screwed contractor is typical of his dirty tricks. He spends more to fuel his super yacht. But litigation will cost the contractor & drag out payment. What a “nice guy”. No sympathy here. And the last item is just plain stupid and violates the core fabric of the Islands
I Agree with you totally and what you have written 👍 👌 is pretty comprehensive and covers how He typically screws Everyone. If the contractor did a terrible job, by all means litigate. With his reputation I doubt that is the case, Zuck is simply a “Head Case” and he will get what he sows. He wants everyone to know how bad his life is, Honestly The life and times of Marky Z doesn’t mean a thing to me until this kind of thing pops up, then it’s Game On. Good luck Containing his Desires and the desires of “other’s” that make the decisions and make Mark Happy!
Zuckerberg should settle his affairs there, demonish all buildings he had built, and buy an entire island elsewhere.
People love billionaires’ money, but not billionaires.
He might have bought an entire island if he didn’t crave attention, even if and when it’s negative. The comments of waking to all of those messages is simply an absurd way to identify with the common person, what a Lame Attempt! If True it only proves to me that He is a “Poor” judge of talent in hiring managerial staff and/or Wants them to message him. What a terrible way to run a business, but that’s Marky for you. His “Game Play” seems to be disrespectful and disruptive to everyone and anyone, in this case even Ocean Life and Coral Reefs, can’t upset people on your own island! He should Grow Up.
People just love to hate this guy! Probably because wealth envy abounds, but then I suspect he feels the same way toward Ellison who owns 98% of Lanai.
Marky Boy probably wants to Emulate Ellison in certain ways, owning an island isn’t his style though. Too few inhabitants to scream about his abuses. As to the Wealth Issues I’m sure that it is an issue with many, not really with me. I would have no idea how to be effective with it, a few hundred thousand dollars would be more than enough for my needs in retirement, at least I hope. Everyone, regardless of Assets, have real problems and it’s how they’re dealt with that is typically different. Marky Z needs the Attention and Will cause his own Controversies to gain it. He Needs for Nothing but should Grow Up!
Bill,
You nailed it: “…wealth envy abounds…
As a resident of Kaua’i the idea of “blowing up” Pila’a reef would be a veritable lead balloon. It would undo all efforts Zuckerberg has done to make himself a good neighbor. We just don’t do blow up reefs here, sorry. It would make the Super Ferry look like a good idea.
Marky will be a Wonderful Steward until he’s not, just ask any of his neighbors on the mainland, while you’re at it find out How he managed to get the Building Permits! Wealth, Privilege, Desirous Intentions are Marky’s Trademark and if he wants a Marina the Reef won’t be an obstacle for long. A few plentiful handshakes and some expensive dinners have been known to work wonders, did I mention the Political Contributions? Marky Z Wants, Marky Z Gets! And think of the Bonus of Attention.
Not sure how he’s going to get permission to detonate something he doesn’t own. Unless of course the local, city and state officials get paid off.
Zuckerberg has gotten away with so much illegal activity with the help of the current planning director and the mayors assistant (Former planning director). The average local would never get the kinds of things he’s got going permitted, example, “Pod houses”
They are called Plentiful, or sometimes Beneficial, Handshakes and Political Contributions 🙄 but you’re on the same page. It might take a little while but Marky Z gets his way. He plays well with his neighbors on the island for a while to gain their trust and good will. When his desires come to the surface his way becomes the Only Way. Why be Wealthy and not flex your muscles? He’s unassuming and friendly, that’s only because he Needs something. When he’s done maybe he’ll invite people over for a cookout.
Doubt the marina will happen. The ocean area off of his property is a marine mammal and bird habitat as well as protected reef area that would suffer greatly if that were to happen. There would have to be an EIS, and heaven knows what else before it could even be considered. Not too worried about this one.
Money and power will buy anything. This man has both and isn’t used to taking “no” for an answer. Corruptness breeds corruptness and this guy is about as corrupt as they come. Look what he done to our country wit FB. He’s an expert liar yet, no one holds him accountable.
A couple of newly sunken surplus ships to create a new reef and habitat and a park or two for good measures makes nice with those officials and Politicians that matter. Unfortunately that’s how things happen in His World. He will eventually get what he desires, he always seems to. What’s the point of being Wealthy and having all of those Connections and Power if you can’t, or Won’t, Use It! Rome wasn’t built in a day, His Marina won’t be either, but it will be built if he wants it, he’s Marky Z!