A proposed wavepool on Oahu is facing pushback from environmental activists.
The Honokea Surf Village – backed by legendary Hawaiian surfer and waterman Brian Keaulana – is in hot water after a group of community leaders sued the state over the proposed project. Their concern is that the 7-million-gallon wavepool will negatively impact local land, sacred burial sites, and the island’s water supply.
“Their plan to take out the water and to inject their used water back into the karst – it’s going to damage the nearshore limu and fisheries and all of the traditions that depend on them,” said Dayne Kahau, per Hawaii News Now.
Also, the opponents expressed concern over the new, proposed wavepool since another wavepool – the Wai Kai Surf Park at Ewa Beach – recently opened just a mile away.
“This is the no. 1 surf site in the world. Why do we need a wavepool? Why do we need two? We are in Hawaii; go catch a surf, go White Plains,” said Keline Kahau.
However, as opposed to Wai Kai, which is more of a stationary standing wave, the Honokea Surf Village will be an actual 5-acre pool. It will use Wavegarden’s Cove technology – the same wave-making tech seen at places like URBNSURF in Melbourne, Australia and Alaia Bay in Switzerland, among other locations.
In response to the backlash, Keaulana made a statement:
“As a descendant of generations of Native Hawaiian surfers and watermen, I am disappointed by the misguided accusations being levied against Honokea West. This project is motivated by my ʻohana’s love for the ‘āina, kai and our people. Honokea West will integrate Hawaiian values into every aspect of our guest experience and will share our surfing traditions and values.”
Stay tuned as this story develops.
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