Facebook mogul’s island escape comes with bunkers, mansions, and a dash of controversy

In a move that sounds straight out of a sci-fi blockbuster, Mark Zuckerberg is laying the foundations for a massive secret bunker nestled within a secluded Hawaiian island. The construction, which has stirred quite the conversation, is part of Zuckerberg’s sprawling estate, reportedly costing an eye-watering £200 million.

The Facebook pioneer, alongside his wife, Priscilla Chan, laid claim to a 110-acre tract of what was once a sugar plantation on Kauai, Hawaii’s eldest isle, back in 2021. This acquisition, however, hasn’t been without its share of controversies. Local advocacy groups have raised their voices, lamenting the trend of the ultra-rich elbowing Hawaiians out of their ancestral lands.

Yet, a spokesperson for the Meta kingpin was quick to rebuff these claims, highlighting the couple’s philanthropic efforts towards enhancing the island’s education, healthcare, conservation, and recovery from natural disasters and the pandemic.

Under their stewardship, less than a percent of the land is being developed, with the lion’s share dedicated to agriculture, conservation, and wildlife protection. This includes cattle ranching, organic farming, and partnerships with conservationists to safeguard native species.

Despite the uproar,Mark Zuckerberg is pressing ahead with his grand design, which Wired’s 2023 investigation unveiled in vivid detail. The compound is envisioned to feature over a dozen structures, including two main mansions with a combined size rivaling a football pitch, alongside 30 bedrooms and bathrooms.

But there’s more: the estate will boast an intricate network of treehouses connected by rope bridges, a fully equipped gym, swimming pools, and even tennis courts, all hidden away in a wooded paradise.

Yet, the pièce de résistance lies beneath a 5,000-square-foot bunker, connecting the mansions through a secretive tunnel. This underground haven, designed for utmost privacy and safety, will come with living quarters, a mechanical room, and even an escape hatch, all cloaked in metal and concrete for soundproofing.

Self-sufficiency is key to Zuckerberg’s fortress, with provisions for its own food and water supply, ensuring the billionaire and his guests can weather any storm in luxury and isolation.

As the debate rages on about the implications of such lavish private retreats, one thing is clear: Zuckerberg’s Hawaiian hideout is shaping up to be as intriguing as it is divisive