Our Commitment

Brue Baukol Capital Partners (BBCP) is committed to keeping Kauai Coffee operating, protecting local jobs and ensuring the long-term agricultural use of these Important Agricultural Lands. For nearly two years, we have negotiated in good faith with Massimo Zanetti Beverage USA (MZB) to renew its lease, which expires in March 2026, while also responsibly evaluating all viable paths forward.

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Our Priorities and Future Vision

We see opportunities to maintain and evolve Kauai Coffee’s operations, products, and the experiences of both employees and customers. Our priorities are to:

  • Protect local jobs and economic stability

  • Preserve agricultural use of the land

  • Improve water and energy efficiency 

  • Remain committed to responsible stewardship

“Kauai Coffee has long been an important part of the island’s community, and we deeply respect the role it plays in supporting local families, caring for the land, and contributing to Kauai’s agricultural heritage. Our commitment is to see those values continue.”
— James Priestley, Vice President, Brue Baukol Capital Partners

Kauai Coffee: Your Questions, Answered

  • Brue Baukol initiated lease negotiations nearly two years ago. We will continue to work on this negotiation in good faith. 

  • Lease renewals can often take time to complete, which is why we initiated negotiations nearly two years ago. We continue to be extremely responsive and negotiate in good faith with Massimo Zanetti Beverage. 

  • We continue to be extremely responsive throughout the lease negotiations.

    BBCP is also taking proactive steps in planning for a smooth transition in the event Kauai Coffee may choose not to renew its lease. While no final determination has been made, BBCP believes it is responsible for preparing for all potential outcomes.

    To that end, BBCP has formed a Kauai Coffee Transition Task Force focused on assessing impacts, identifying opportunities, and ensuring continuity and stability for the land, workforce, and broader community should a transition occur.

    The task force brings together a broad range of expertise, including:

    • Human Resources

    • Information Technology

    • Finance

    • Government Relations

    • Public Relations and Communications

    • Field Operations

    • Legal

    This multidisciplinary approach ensures that planning is thoughtful, comprehensive, and aligned with community, operational, and regulatory considerations.

    BBCP remains committed to collaboration and responsible stewardship. As more information becomes available, BBCP will continue to communicate openly with stakeholders and the public.

  • We are still in negotiations with Massimo Zanetti Beverage, the owner of Kauai Coffee. Should we need to take over the operations, and, if necessary, create a new brand, we will work hard to honor both Kaua‘i and coffee in its name and identity, reflecting what makes this place and product truly special.

  • Similar to the transition of our other family of companies on Kaua‘i, we are committed to retaining existing staff. We plan to continue operations, products and experiences for employees and customers.

  • We’re committed to continuing to work with local experts to maintain and enhance Kauai Coffee. Since 2021, we have been responsible for stewarding resources and successfully operating businesses on Kauaʻi by working in partnership with existing teams. Our approach is always centered on respect for place and people — we listen first, learn from local expertise and build on what’s already working.

  • We own and operate McBryde Resources, The Club at Kukuiʻula, Kukuiʻula Development, and Kukuiʻula Realty Group.

  • The majority of this land is designated as Important Agricultural Lands (IAL) and will remain so into perpetuity. Brue Baukol will continue to use this land for agricultural purposes. An IAL designation change requires State approval.

  • Our long-term vision includes the thoughtful rebuilding of Numila Camp, guided by community and County planning priorities. Brue Baukol is actively engaged in ongoing discussions with the Kaua‘i Planning Department and other County agencies to explore opportunities to deliver workforce housing for local residents in the ‘Ele‘ele and Numila areas, as well as provide land to support the much-needed expansion of community infrastructure.

  • Yes. The fishing permits issued by McBryde Resources will continue to be honored. 

*Under Hawaii Revised Statutes (HRS) Chapter 205, which governs state and county land use planning, Important Agricultural Lands are defined as those that:

  • Produce high agricultural yields when properly managed

  • Contribute to the State's economy by producing agricultural commodities for export or local consumption

  • Promote future agricultural activities and income, even if not currently in production

A change in zoning or land use designation affecting IAL must be processed as a state land use district boundary amendment through the Hawaii Land Use Commission (LUC). For more information visit IAL Orientation at Hawaii.gov

Moving Forward

We welcome continued dialogue and will provide more details once we determine a path forward that supports Kauai Coffee employees, agriculture and the Kaua‘i community.

Contact us at info@kauaicoffeefacts.com