North Shore Residents Protest Proposed Gondola

The North Shore of Oahu Fights Against a Proposed Gondola Project

Residents of Oahu’s North Shore are showing strong resistance to a proposed gondola project that would run along the slopes of Mount Kaala. This opposition has led to multiple rallies and public demonstrations, with locals expressing their concerns about how the project could impact their community and environment.

At a recent rally, area resident Kathleen Pahinui emphasized that the North Shore is not a theme park. “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. This is Hawaii. We are not a theme park and we shouldn’t be treated like a theme park,” she said.

The proposed tramway, named Kamananui, would feature cable cars for sightseeing and is expected to attract around 1,700 visitors daily. However, critics argue that the project does not align with the values of the local community.

Racquel Achiu, another critic of the project, pointed out that many of the people behind the proposal are not from the area. “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,” she said.

This sentiment was echoed by other residents at the protest, which drew more than a dozen participants. The demonstration followed another one held nearly a month ago along Kaukonahua Road, highlighting ongoing concerns about the project's potential effects on the region.

One of the main worries among locals is the impact on traffic in an already busy area. Larry McElheny, a demonstrator, noted that there is always something new—some money-making scheme—coming down the pipeline. “The situation is, there’s a vast majority of people who want to keep the country, country. That’s what the saying is. That’s the mantra,” he said.

In addition to traffic issues, opponents also argue that Mount Kaala holds significant cultural and spiritual value for Native Hawaiians. They believe the project could harm the native species that call the mountain home.

The gondola project has been promoted as an educational opportunity focusing on agriculture. However, critics say the benefits do not outweigh the negative impacts on the community.

Denise Antolini, a local resident, expressed her deep connection to the mountain. “All of us on the North Shore, that enjoy the North Shore, revere that mountain for its beauty, for its cultural significance,” she said. “To see somebody’s fantasy theme park being built on the mountain is a complete desecration.”

Despite the concerns, the Department of Planning and Permitting has required the project leaders to dedicate half of the site’s 2,300 acres to agriculture. Kaukonahua Ranch, which would operate the gondola, has reportedly made changes to the project based on community feedback.

One major adjustment includes building one zipline instead of two. Mark “Skip” Taylor, the ranch general manager, provided a statement emphasizing the company’s commitment to being good stewards of the land. He mentioned that the focus remains on enhancing cattle ranching, crop-growing operations, and reforestation efforts.

The Conditional Use Permit for the agribusiness project requires meeting several conditions, and the team has been working hard to fulfill these requirements. A minor modification application has been submitted, detailing how the project’s scale and scope have been significantly reduced.

A big turnout is expected at a meeting discussing the plan on Wednesday night at Leilehua High School. Residents continue to voice their concerns and push for a decision that reflects the values of the North Shore community.

As the debate continues, the future of the gondola project remains uncertain, with both sides presenting compelling arguments about the potential impact on the region.