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Meta CEO’s $270 Million Project Unveils Extravagant Compound with Underground Bunker.
Meta Platforms Inc. CEO Mark Zuckerberg has initiated the development of Koolau Ranch, an extraordinary compound in Kauai, Hawaii, marrying luxury and survivalist features. The project, estimated to cost $270 million, showcases a unique blend of opulence and preparedness, becoming emblematic of a rising trend among Silicon Valley elites.
Koolau Ranch, sprawled over 1,400 acres, is set to feature a 5,000-square-foot underground bunker, complete with its own energy and food supplies, embodying a fusion of extravagance and resilience. The bunker, constructed with a metal door filled with concrete, reflects a growing interest in preparedness among influential figures.
The compound, shrouded in secrecy, has been subject to strict nondisclosure agreements for workers and intense surveillance with military-style security measures. Reports suggest that Zuckerberg concealed the land acquisitions using shell companies, leading to lawsuits alleging pressure on locals with ancestral land rights to sell or engage in bidding wars.
Mark Zuckerberg is reportedly building an underground bunker in Hawaii.
Here’s what to knowhttps://t.co/qlsbPRVEog
— TIME (@TIME) December 30, 2023
The expansive compound includes over 30 bedrooms and bathrooms, two mansions connected by a tunnel to the bunker, and nearly a dozen tree houses connected by rope bridges, offering an immersive treetop experience. In addition, the development features a fitness center, guest houses, and operational buildings, exemplifying a harmonious integration of nature and modern amenities.
Koolau Ranch aligns with the county’s tax incentives for constructing hurricane-resistant safe rooms, potentially explaining the robust underground structure. Zuckerberg’s representatives emphasize the commitment to preserving the natural beauty of the ranch, dedicating over 99% of the land to farming, ranching, conservation, and wildlife preservation.
The compound’s self-sustaining design, encompassing underground bunkers, energy, and water supplies, positions it as a haven for extended periods of isolation. This announcement coincides with Meta’s foray into the virtual metaverse, a move that led to a stock decline of approximately 68% in 2022 before rebounding to all-time highs in the new year.
