Turtle Bay Resort developer Kuilima Resort Co. said yesterday it is looking for partners for its planned expansion of the resort on O'ahu's North Shore.

"Kuilima Resort Company is seeking development partners who will work with us to help unfold the community's vision for this crown jewel in Kahuku," the company said in a statement. "These partners will be subject to our design guidelines and to the commitments that we have made to the community."

The proposed resort expansion includes five new hotels with 3,500 rooms and condominium units, as well as four public parks. The plan is based on an agreement reached in 1986 by developers, the city, the state and members of the North Shore community. The resort is owned by investment firm Oaktree Capital Management.

"Kuilima Resort Company has great plans for the future, and development partners will allow us to implement the community's vision for Kahuku, which includes preserving the natural beauty of the 880-acre property," the company said. "This is a long-term plan that will require ongoing input and collaboration from the community."

Kuilima did not rule out a sale, but said there is currently no agreement to do so.

The company also said recently appointed CEO Nicola Jones is "spending a significant amount of time listening to employees and the community, and is preparing to unveil innovative plans that reflect the values and desires of the Kahuku community."

The project has drawn opposition from some residents and others who say it will significantly affect traffic, infrastructure and the environment on the North Shore. Some Kahuku residents, however, have praised the plan as one that would bring much-needed jobs to the area.

Two lawsuits were filed in response to the plan, including one from the Keep the North Shore Country residents group and the Sierra Club's Hawai'i chapter seeking a new environmental impact statement to add to the one completed 20 years ago.

A Circuit Court judge in April denied a request by union Unite Here Local 5 for a preliminary injunction that would have prevented the city from issuing permits allowing the expansion, although the lawsuit naming the developer and the city is still pending. Unite Here Local 5 represents Turtle Bay hotel workers and has been involved in a protracted labor dispute with the resort.

The union and the resort, which recently resumed contract talks, are making progress, a Local 5 spokesman said.