HONOLULU (KHON2) — North Shore community members shared their thoughts on a proposal to build a gondola on Mount Kaʻala at a community meeting on June 3.
The plan has been proposed by a Canadian businessman who owns thousands of acres of agricultural land in Waialua, which is currently used for cattle ranching, forestry and crop production.
The developer wants to build an aerial tramway and a motorized zipline, as well as several other activities. If approved, the attraction would run over 8,000 feet and require eight support towers.
“That mauna there looks over us and protects us and now this is our opportunity to protect her,” said North Shore resident TJ Cuaresma. “You come in and do things like what this developer is trying to do, it’s going to destroy it.”
In a statement, Mark Taylor, general manager of Kaukonahua Ranch, where the development is proposed, said the ranch welcomes community input. Taylor also highlighted the permit’s requirements to fulfill conditions in the build.
Taylor also mentioned the economic impact of the ranch, saying that development will “create more local jobs and foster community partnerships and opportunities.”
Kaukonahua Ranch also mentioned their commitment to the land in their statement.
“We are committed to being good community stewards for Kaukonahua Ranch. We are focused 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,” the statement said in part.