A group of Hawaiian activists on Oahu held a press conference today protesting Honokea West, the second wave pool proposed for Oahu’s west side.
It’s backed by Hawaiian waterman Brian Keaulana and would be powered by Wavegarden technology. The seven-million-gallon, $106 million wave pool would be located on 19.4 acres under a mile from Oahu’s first wave pool that opened last year.
Opponents say it would negatively impact the land, desecrate sacred burial sites, and poison the island’s water supply.
Hawaii News Now covered the protest in the video above and captioned it:
“Groups come together against the plan to build second wave pool on Oahu”
At the 30-second mark, the broadcast cuts to the press conference.
A member of community group Na Kia’i o Wai Ha that’s petitioning the pool says:
“We are opposed, strongly opposed, to the building of another wave pool on this island.
“There is a wave pool less than a mile away from here. There is a surf spot a couple of miles away from here, a famous surf spot here on the west side of the island.
“This wave pool that they want to build will be five acres large and will require seven million gallons of fresh, potable water.”
Reporter Ashley Nagaoka noted that developers plan to use injection wells to empty the pool every other year. But protestors say chemicals will seep into groundwater and the ocean.
Nagaoka added that Keaulana is “disappointed by the protesters’ misguided accusations” and that his team met with cultural advisors and “conducted extensive archeological and environmental studies to ensure they protect the site.”
According to Honokea West, it will also feature an adventure lagoon with overwater rock climbing, a skate park, sand volleyball courts, spaces for exercise and play areas for kids, a film studio, a surfboard and fin design and testing facility, and more.
Developers expect an estimated 300,000 to 400,000 visitors annually.
Stay tuned for more.
***
Don’t miss another headline from SURFER! Subscribe to our newsletter, follow us on Instagram, and stay connected with the latest happenings in the world of surfing. We’re always on the lookout for amusing, interesting and engaging surf-related videos to feature on our channels.
Whether you’re a professional surfer or just an amateur, we want to see your best footage and help you share it with the world. Submit your video for a chance to be featured on SURFER and our social channels. Be sure to subscribe to our YouTube channel to watch high-quality surf videos.