Controversial Gondola, Zipline Proposed for North Shore of Oahu
The North Shore of Oahu, aka the world's most coveted surfing zone, is often referred to as 'country.' In contrast, the other side of the island, including the busy streets of Honolulu, is called 'town.'
But a developer is looking to, well, develop the scarcely-touched north side of the island, bringing a gondola, zipline, and a café to Mount Kaala, the highest peak on Oahu. And the project proposal is garnering backlash from locals, who support keeping the country country.
'It would significantly impact a sacred and historical space,' North Shore Neighborhood Board Vice-Chair Racquel Achiu-Hill told KHON2. 'Mount Kaala would now be compromised with a proposed gondola, ski lift operation that would lead into a zipline and cafe.'
The developer, reportedly a Canadian businessman, had proposed opening the area to the public back in 2018. But local officials had no idea that it would entail the likes of a gondola and zipline.
In documents describing the proposal, the traffic for the development was anticipated as 750 cars per day, in addition to: 'Initial visitation is planned for approximately 1,650 people per day to evaluate site capacity, guest experience and to ensure that environmental standards are maintained.'The project has not yet been approved, but local officials are continuing their concerns.
'The impacts of just drilling into the foundation of Mt. Kaala for what a ski lift would need is overwhelming,' Achiu-Hill said. 'It's very overwhelming, you're going to compromise this mountain in a way that should never be thought of.'
Additionally, backlash from the surf community echoed on social media.
'We can't let this happen to Mount Kaʻala,' wrote North Shore native and proverbial Queen of Pipeline, Moana Jones Wong. 'Everyone please email the DPP opposing this project.'
For comments, the public can email their comments to DPP planner Steve Tagawa at stagawa@honolulu.gov or DPP at dpp@honolulu.gov.
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