Ka Wai Ola - Office of Hawaiian Affairs, Volume 17, Number 4, 1 ʻApelila 2000 — Hanauma Bay [ARTICLE]

Hanauma Bay

Did you know that Mayor Harris is ready to build a $10.4 million socalled marine education building on the upper rim of our historical Hanauma Bay? Educating the public is pono but not at this cost and definitely not at this one-of-a-kind nature preserve. The city refuses to discuss any alternatives. Why? The mayor's planning task force for this project had no island-wide community input nor Native Hawaiian representation. Why? Without it, how are we going to protect our history and culture? Imagine an 1 1,000 plus square foot building hiding behind an earth berm to pretend the building doesn't exist and to make the area look "natural." But there's no disguising the six-foot high metal fencing surrounding the area. And why a gift shop and separate snack bar? Auē! It's time for all Native Hawaiians to rally to stop this project. Our beloved Hanauma Bay must not heeome just another theme park and a cash eow for the city. It's bad enough now. Is it any wonder that only 15 percent of bay goers are residents? We must stop this desecration and save Hanauma Bay. Write letters to the editors and the mayor. Also contact us at ehcc@netscapes.net or eall 373-2556. Beverly J. Palenapa East Honolulu Community Coalition