Developer fined $15M over California coast hotel

The California Coastal Commission has fined a developer a record $15.58 million for building a high-priced hotel after obtaining a permit for property with moderately priced rooms.

The commission voted unanimously to punish Sunshine Enterprises, lambasting the firm for what one commissioner called "environmental injustice."

Officials say the developer violated the landmark Coastal Act that protects public beach access, including the availability of less-expensive rooms.

Sunshine Enterprises was permitted to expand two modest hotels near the Santa Monica Pier, offering rooms for about $165 a night. The company let the permit expire and instead built a hotel where rooms run $300 to $800.

Sunshine Enterprises says it regrets the violations and will comply with the commission going forward.