Benioffs' Hawaiian Land Grab Raises Concerns Over Affordability

Salesforce CEO Marc Benioff and his wife Lynne have been buying up property in Hawaii for over two decades. Since 2000, they've acquired more than 600 acres of land worth nearly $100 million, mostly in the rural town of Waimea on the Big Island.

Their focus shifted after the pandemic began, with Benioff purchasing at least 38 parcels through six anonymous limited liability companies and one nonprofit. This includes over 580 acres in Waimea and about 25 acres at beach resorts.

Residents were initially concerned that these large purchases would drive up property prices and make it harder for locals to afford homes. Some speculated that Benioff might be planning a Salesforce facility or bringing engineers to the area, but he later denied this.

The Benioffs have since donated 282 acres to the Hawaii Island Community Development Corp., an organization that develops affordable housing on the Big Island. They've also pledged another 158 acres for the same purpose, totaling 440 acres.

This land is part of the Ouli Project in Waimea, which will feature 43 self-help affordable housing units and single-family homes, parks, and community spaces.

Executive Director Keith Kato said the project would help address the need for affordable housing on Hawaii Island. 'Our goal is to move quickly as affordable housing is needed today for low to moderate-income residents on Hawaii Island,' he stated.