In a recent interview with Bloomberg, Mark Zuckerberg, 41 years old, CEO of Meta, addressed the rumors surrounding the construction of a supposed “Doomsday bunker” on his property in Hawaii. He clarified that the underground structure of about 5,000 square feet is actually a basement-like shelter, designed for storage and protection against extreme weather events, such as hurricanes. Despite speculation, the billionaire categorically denied that it was built for apocalyptic scenarios, saying that the media exaggerated its purpose.
Details About Zuckerberg’s Property
The estate is located on the island of Kauai, the oldest of the Hawaiian Islands, which has no active volcanoes. It covers about 1,400 acres and includes several buildings. Among them are two mansions connected by a tunnel leading to the underground shelter.
The shelter itself features a habitable area, a machine room, and an escape hatch accessible by ladder. While larger than the average U.S. family home, Zuckerberg emphasized it is simply a functional structure comparable to a basement or hurricane shelter, not a “Doomsday bunker.”
Koolau Ranch and Its Facilities
The complex, known as Koolau Ranch, includes guest houses, leisure areas, and self-sufficiency systems, such as its own energy and water supply. Zuckerberg also shared that one of his personal activities on the property is cattle ranching, with the goal of producing high-quality beef.
Billionaires and Their Underground Bunkers
Rumors claim that billionaires such as Elon Musk, Jeff Bezos, Bill Gates, and the Walton family have invested in underground bunkers.
- Musk reportedly built a high-tech bunker in New Mexico.
- Bezos is said to own an underground facility in Texas.
- Bill Gates allegedly built bunkers on several of his properties, especially at his main residence in Medina, Washington.
- The Walton family, owners of Walmart, built a large bunker in Bentonville, Arkansas, soon after the September 11, 2001 attacks.
Local Controversies and Criticism
Despite Zuckerberg’s statements, the project has sparked significant backlash among local residents and indigenous groups, who worry about its environmental and cultural impacts.
This reflects a broader issue in Hawaii: the acquisition of vast lands by billionaires, which has fueled debates about land access and the preservation of local traditions.
Notable landowners include Larry Ellison and Oprah Winfrey, who both own large estates. Estimates indicate that 37 billionaires control about 218,000 acres in Hawaii, representing 5.3% of all land in the state and 11.1% of private land.
Such concentration raises social and cultural concerns, highlighting the effects on local communities and Hawaiian heritage.
Response to Criticism
In response, Zuckerberg and his wife, Priscilla Chan, have made philanthropic contributions to the local community, funding educational initiatives and environmental conservation projects.
Still, discussions continue about the long-term impacts of their presence in Hawaii, showing the complex relationship between large-scale private investments and local communities.