Latest news with #RacquelAchiu-Hill
Yahoo
21-05-2025
- Yahoo
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@ or DPP at dpp@
Yahoo
20-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Gondola development project proposed for North Shore
WAIALUA, Hawaii (KHON2) — When you think of a gondola you might think of riding one to the top of a snowy mountain or a boat ride in Venice, but what about here in Hawaii? That's what one Canadian businessman is proposing for Oahu's North Shore. Hawaiian Airlines: No one will lose their miles Mt. Kaala is the tallest peak on Oahu, and the owner of Adventure Group in Canada owns 2,300 acres in Waialua and plans to develop it. 'It would significantly impact a sacred and historical space,' said North Shore Neighborhood Board Vice-Chair Racquel Achiu-Hill. 'Mount Kaala would now be compromised with a proposed gondola, ski lift operation that would lead into a zipline and cafe.' The proposed project is off Kaukonahua Road. She said the developer introduced himself as the landowner to the board back in 2018 and said he had intentions of opening the area to the public, but according to her, he didn't specify his 2019, she said the neighborhood board was surprised when they were told of a Conditional Use Permit for a gondola project on the land. 'A part of our land use ordinance allows for accessory-activities on ag land, specifically agritourism,' explained North Shore City Councilmember Matt Weyer. He said there's a requirement that at least 51% of the land be in ag production. 'But when you're looking at what's allowed and understanding the primary use of this land which is zoned agriculture, there's always a concern under the requirements and land use ordinances, specifically requiring that you don't diminish the potential of agricultural land and any improvements can't have unreasonable costs to take it down, and I think that's why the community is getting concerned,' Weyer explained. 'I mean a large gondola going up such an important mountain and the idea of an e-bike track across ag land could harm the area.' Download the free KHON2 app for iOS or Android to stay informed on the latest news A spokesperson for the development said it currently does cattle ranching, forestry and crop production and they are working on agritourism plans for sightseeing, hiking, biking and other activities accessible by a gondola. The group is currently applying for minor modifications to its conditional use permit to make its overall footprint smaller than originally approved. Documents state the gondola route was adjusted to lower elevations which reduced the number of support towers from 18 to eight. The gondola route-length would be 8,240 feet. The minor modification also shortens the zipline. Originally, there were two zipline routes approved by the CUP for a total of 7,967 feet. The modified zipline has only one route with a total length of 5,285 feet. Nimitz Highway collision claims life of pedestrian The modification also points out redesigning hiking and biking trails and enhanced ADA accessibility with handrails, bridges and viewing platforms. The gondola stations would have lower visibility and a new driveway alignment to improve traffic safety. The document states, '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… Given the vast agricultural lands and proposed agribusiness activities, the physical capacity of the site is far greater, however, the applicant intends to move slowly and increase visitation capacity gradually based on initial findings and engagement with county officials, community leaders and environmental consultants.' The documents also anticipate 750 cars a day. Honolulu mayor declares Emergency Medical Services week 'When you're doing agricultural projects and you're doing accessory uses, those uses aren't the primary purpose, because that's why we have ag land versus industrial versus commercial, when you look at it that way, I think that's a community concern too,' Weyer added. '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.' HIDOE students feast on sweet potatoes The developer said there are community benefits like job creation and positive economic impacts, health and recreational benefits, historical and cultural opportunities, endangered species protection, wildfire risk management, public access to lands otherwise inaccessible and preservation of ag land so it's not subdivided for residential development. The Department of Planning and Permitting said the developer still has not met all the conditions of the CUP. The DPP says if they do not approve of the minor modifications, which reduces the overall footprint of the original CUP, the originally approved CUP would still stand. A spokesperson for DPP said in an email if the minor modification is approved, the developer must meet all conditions of the CUP, as amended. If approved, the minor modification may add and/or modify existing changes. The public can email their comments to DPP planner Steve Tagawa at stagawa@ or DPP email at dpp@ or by mail. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
