Residents fume over gondola that would bring 1,700 visitors a day to luxury enclave: 'We're not Disneyland'
A proposal to build a tramway called Kamananui along Mount Ka'ala, a landmark of cultural meaning to the community of Oahu in Hawaii, was first proposed by Kaukonoahua Ranch in March 2019.
The project also includes a zipline and trails for hiking and biking. Kaukonoahua Ranch estimated that the business would bring in around 1,700 visitors a day.
Locals recently gathered for a rally to showcase their refusal to accept the development into their hometown.
The proposal argued that the land would be used for agribusiness facilities to help preserve the land; however, locals have rejected the notion.
A community group called Keep the North Shore Country is rallying to stop the project, advocating against the development down the historic mountainside.
'There are many problems with this project, besides that fact that few people want a major tourist attraction on the dangerous, narrow Kaukonahua Rd, or mechanized joy rides up the side of Mt. Kaala,' the group stated on their website.
'Rather than admit that the primary purpose of this project is to generate money from tourist attractions, the developer is exploiting zoning laws by calling the project an agribusiness operation.'
A proposal to construct a gondola ride and zipline along Mount Ka'ala in the background of Kualoa Ranch (pictured) received intense backlash from locals (file photo)
Protestors gathered to showcase opposition for the development, arguing that they don't want tourists coming into their cultural lands
The proposal details plans for hiking and biking trails, a gondola, a zipline, and a cattle ranch
Residents have frequently protested the effort and shown their opposition to the gondola at community meetings.
At a protest this week resident Kathleen Pahinui told local CBS affiliate, Hawaii News Now, that visitors should go elsewhere for tourist attractions.
'We're not Disneyland. We're not a theme park. There are places in this world where you can go to do those kinds of things,' she said.
'This is Hawaii. We are not a theme park and we shouldn't be treated like a theme park.'
Racquel Achiu echoed a similar sentiment, telling the outlet: 'We're tired of people coming in, buying up lands, and then telling us what we need and what would be right.
'They're not of this place. They don't even live here. They know nothing about our culture or our history and know nothing about what our community is, but yet want to hugely impact it.'
Denise Antolini told Hawaii News Now that building a theme park over sacred Hawaiian lands was 'a complete desecration'.
A petition was launched to stop the developer from continuing to pursue the land for agritourism.
Residents have protested the development, claiming it will interfere with the cultural significance of Mount Ka'ala. Protesters are seen above this week
Community members advocated against the development in a town meeting
'I'm supporting this cause because protecting Kaala (Mount Kaala) is essential for preserving not only the land but the cultural and spiritual heritage of the Native Hawaiian community,' one comment on the petition read.
'This mountain holds deep significance, and it's crucial that we stand together to ensure it's respected and protected for future generations.'
'All my life this mountain and its beauty is all I know.. Untouched and Preserved,' another agreed.
Kaukonoahua Ranch proposed the project for agricultural use, stating the intention is 'To expand existing agriculture with comprehensive agroforestry, conservation areas (native tree reforestation), valley agriculture (including some traditional crops) and cattle ranching, while enhancing the property with educational, cultural and agricultural tourism.'
The proposal added that recreational activities, including trails, the tramway, and the zipline, would support the agricultural uses of the property.
The ranch's general manager, Mark Taylor, told Hawaii News Now that the agribusiness project is working to meet the requirements of the Conditional Use Permit for agricultural use.
Kaukonoahua submitted edits to the permit to reduce the scale of the project and is awaiting a decision from the City and County of Honolulu's Department of Planning and Permitting.
'We remain committed to being good community stewards for Kaukonahua Ranch,' Taylor said in a statement to the outlet.
The proposal detailed plans for recreational activities, a tramway, and a zipline as part of an agribusiness project
The proposal depicted a mock setup of what the top of the gondola ride would look like and how it would operate
The proposal also detailed heritage crops to support the development's agricultural mission. Critics claimed that the developers called the project agritourism to evade backlash
'We continue to focus on enhancing our cattle ranching and crop-growing operations, the reforestation of native trees, and creating an agricultural-based model that is in keeping with the rural qualities, unique country feeling, and agricultural history of the north shore.'
'We look forward to sharing the latest details of our project with the community and how it will support the future of Kaukonahua Ranch, create more local jobs, and foster community partnerships and opportunities.'
Daily Mail reached out to Kaukonahua Ranch for additional comment on the business proposal.
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