Environmental Court Victory To Stop the Honokea Surf Village Project
Ewa Beach, a coastal gem on the leeward side of Oahu, is renowned for its stunning natural beauty, vibrant community, and rich cultural heritage. However, with increasing development pressures, the need for robust environmental protection has never been more critical. As a member of the environmental protection group Nā Kiaʻi o Wai Hā and a named plaintiff in the complaint against the planned Honokea Surf Village, Summer-Lee Yadao stands as a dedicated advocate for the preservation of Ewa Beach. Her political platform centers on safeguarding the environment, promoting sustainable development, and ensuring the well-being of the community.
Key Issues and Challenges
Unnecessary Development
The proposed Honokea Surf Village, including a large wave pool, threatens the delicate balance of Ewa Beach’s natural resources. Critics argue that the project is unnecessary in the birthplace of surfing and could potentially contaminate the groundwater and desecrate Hawaiian burials. Less than two miles from the ocean and another existing wave pool, the project represents an overreach that fails to respect the area’s natural and cultural heritage.
Water Resource Management
Ewa Beach faces significant water resource challenges. The planned wave pool, with a capacity of 7 million gallons, raises serious concerns about water use and its impact on the local aquifer. Despite developers' claims that the project will draw from a private water company, it ultimately taps into the same underlying aquifer as the public water supply. This poses a risk of depletion and contamination, jeopardizing the community’s access to clean water.
Cultural Preservation
The land proposed for development holds deep cultural significance for Native Hawaiians. The project’s potential impact on historic burials and cultural sites cannot be overlooked. While developers claim to have conducted extensive studies, local voices, including Nā Kiaʻi o Wai Hā, argue that these efforts fall short of genuine cultural preservation.
Platform Goals
Comprehensive Environmental Assessments
Advocate for rigorous environmental impact studies for all major development projects. This includes revisiting and strengthening the assessments for the Honokea Surf Village to ensure thorough evaluation of potential environmental damage, water use implications, and cumulative impacts on local resources.
Water Conservation Initiatives
Promote policies that prioritize sustainable water management. This includes opposing projects that threaten the aquifer and implementing stricter regulations on water usage for new developments. Support the development of water-saving technologies and infrastructure improvements to safeguard the community’s water supply.
Cultural and Historical Preservation
Ensure that development projects respect and protect culturally significant sites. Advocate for the integration of Native Hawaiian voices in the planning and approval processes. Push for legal protections for sacred sites and burials, ensuring that development does not come at the expense of cultural heritage.
Sustainable Development Practices
Encourage developments that align with the principles of sustainability and community benefit. Support projects that provide economic opportunities without compromising environmental integrity. Promote eco-friendly tourism and local businesses that respect and enhance Ewa Beach’s natural and cultural resources.
Community Engagement and Advocacy
Foster a culture of community involvement in environmental decision-making. Establish forums for residents to voice their concerns and participate in the planning process. Work closely with grassroots organizations like Nā Kiaʻi o Wai Hā to ensure that the community’s interests are represented and protected.
Summer-Lee's platform for Ewa Beach environmental protection is rooted in a deep commitment to preserving the area’s natural beauty, cultural heritage, and community well-being. By advocating for rigorous environmental assessments, sustainable water management, cultural preservation, and community engagement, she aims to ensure that Ewa Beach remains a thriving, vibrant place for generations to come. Her leadership and dedication to environmental protection make her a vital voice for the future of Ewa Beach and District 42.
