Residents fume over gondola that would bring 1,700 visitors a day to luxury enclave: 'We're not Disneyland'
A proposal to build a tramway called Kamananui along Mount Ka'ala, a landmark of cultural meaning to the community of Oahu in Hawaii, was first proposed by Kaukonoahua Ranch in March 2019.
The project also includes a zipline and trails for hiking and biking. Kaukonoahua Ranch estimated that the business would bring in around 1,700 visitors a day.
Locals recently gathered for a rally to showcase their refusal to accept the development into their hometown.
The proposal argued that the land would be used for agribusiness facilities to help preserve the land; however, locals have rejected the notion.
A community group called Keep the North Shore Country is rallying to stop the project, advocating against the development down the historic mountainside.
'There are many problems with this project, besides that fact that few people want a major tourist attraction on the dangerous, narrow Kaukonahua Rd, or mechanized joy rides up the side of Mt. Kaala,' the group stated on their website.
'Rather than admit that the primary purpose of this project is to generate money from tourist attractions, the developer is exploiting zoning laws by calling the project an agribusiness operation.'
A proposal to construct a gondola ride and zipline along Mount Ka'ala in the background of Kualoa Ranch (pictured) received intense backlash from locals (file photo)
Protestors gathered to showcase opposition for the development, arguing that they don't want tourists coming into their cultural lands
The proposal details plans for hiking and biking trails, a gondola, a zipline, and a cattle ranch
Residents have frequently protested the effort and shown their opposition to the gondola at community meetings.
At a protest this week resident Kathleen Pahinui told local CBS affiliate, Hawaii News Now, that visitors should go elsewhere for tourist attractions.
'We're not Disneyland. We're not a theme park. There are places in this world where you can go to do those kinds of things,' she said.
'This is Hawaii. We are not a theme park and we shouldn't be treated like a theme park.'
Racquel Achiu echoed a similar sentiment, telling the outlet: 'We're tired of people coming in, buying up lands, and then telling us what we need and what would be right.
'They're not of this place. They don't even live here. They know nothing about our culture or our history and know nothing about what our community is, but yet want to hugely impact it.'
Denise Antolini told Hawaii News Now that building a theme park over sacred Hawaiian lands was 'a complete desecration'.
A petition was launched to stop the developer from continuing to pursue the land for agritourism.
Residents have protested the development, claiming it will interfere with the cultural significance of Mount Ka'ala. Protesters are seen above this week
Community members advocated against the development in a town meeting
'I'm supporting this cause because protecting Kaala (Mount Kaala) is essential for preserving not only the land but the cultural and spiritual heritage of the Native Hawaiian community,' one comment on the petition read.
'This mountain holds deep significance, and it's crucial that we stand together to ensure it's respected and protected for future generations.'
'All my life this mountain and its beauty is all I know.. Untouched and Preserved,' another agreed.
Kaukonoahua Ranch proposed the project for agricultural use, stating the intention is 'To expand existing agriculture with comprehensive agroforestry, conservation areas (native tree reforestation), valley agriculture (including some traditional crops) and cattle ranching, while enhancing the property with educational, cultural and agricultural tourism.'
The proposal added that recreational activities, including trails, the tramway, and the zipline, would support the agricultural uses of the property.
The ranch's general manager, Mark Taylor, told Hawaii News Now that the agribusiness project is working to meet the requirements of the Conditional Use Permit for agricultural use.
Kaukonoahua submitted edits to the permit to reduce the scale of the project and is awaiting a decision from the City and County of Honolulu's Department of Planning and Permitting.
'We remain committed to being good community stewards for Kaukonahua Ranch,' Taylor said in a statement to the outlet.
The proposal detailed plans for recreational activities, a tramway, and a zipline as part of an agribusiness project
The proposal depicted a mock setup of what the top of the gondola ride would look like and how it would operate
The proposal also detailed heritage crops to support the development's agricultural mission. Critics claimed that the developers called the project agritourism to evade backlash
'We continue to focus 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.'
'We look forward to sharing the latest details of our project with the community and how it will support the future of Kaukonahua Ranch, create more local jobs, and foster community partnerships and opportunities.'
Daily Mail reached out to Kaukonahua Ranch for additional comment on the business proposal.
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The Guardian
4 hours ago
- The Guardian
‘Don't erase the soul of Bingin': Bali locals dismayed as 48 businesses destroyed in local crackdown
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The demolition of 48 cliffside establishments at Bingin beach – ranging from warungs (small eateries) and homestays to boutique villas and restaurants overlooking one of the world's most revered waves – marks a flashpoint in Bali's struggle with mass tourism, overdevelopment and the desire to retain the cultural and surfing heritage that put the island on the global tourist map in the first place. Bingin is being cleared as part of a campaign led by the re-elected governor, Wayan Koster, to enforce zoning regulations and eliminate unregulated structures on protected government-owned land. 'The Bali provincial government is preparing a team to conduct an investigative audit of tourism business permits throughout Bali,' said Koster, hammer in hand at the start of the Bingin demolition in July. 'We cannot allow it. If we let these methods continue throughout Bali, Bali will be ruined.' More than 20 other businesses have also been targeted as allegedly illegal by local authorities at nearby Balangan beach, and others across the Bukit peninsula and beyond may soon face similar action. But for many locals, the loss of Bingin represents a further gutting of a historic and cherished part of the island's surf culture that in many places has been overtaken by mega resorts, shopping strips and beach clubs. Surfers, many of them Australian, began arriving at Bingin in the 1970s and 1980s, attracted by its perfect mechanical left-hand barrel waves. Local families built small warungs on the cliffs to serve them. Among them was Kelly's Warung, established by the family of local professional surfer Mega Semadhi. 'This place feels like home, away from the noise and chaos above – a beautiful beach, beautiful wave and people,' Samadhi told the Guardian. 'There are not many places like this left.' 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Several Australian expats said they had been advised against speaking out publicly, with concerns they could be deported. An Australian surfer and local business owner, who first visited Bingin over 30 years ago, described it as a 'very special place'. 'The first time I came down here, we could only eat food and sleep on people's decks. There was something magical about it,' he said. 'Australians were among the first surfers to come here and form a special relationship with the Balinese. There aren't many places like this left.' Business owners – many foreigners, including Australians – say many of the structures existed before zoning rules were formalised and the land became deemed a protected area, and efforts were made to ensure operations were compliant. Alex Barung, a lawyer representing some owners attempting to halt the demolitions, said the community had tried multiple times to resolve the issue and work with the government. 'In 1985, the community realised the tourism potential and built supporting facilities. They lacked capital and so partnered with foreigners – but the businesses came first, before the regulations.' Owners argue that they were operating under customary law, with informal permission from the village to operate. Critics of the demolition – which officials expect to take a month – warn that erasing Bingin risks destroying a unique cultural and social ecosystem. 'This is part of Bali's surfing heritage,' said Piter Panjaitan, a local surfer and environmentalist. 'It became a hotspot, a golden egg of the Bukit peninsula. Now, 1,000 people are losing their jobs overnight. People are crying.' He questioned the transparency and consistency of the government's approach. 'We understand the need to clean up, but why here, and why like this? We want to make Bali better, but we also want social justice.' The demolition highlights challenges in Bali's growth. The island's population has doubled since the 1960s to more than 4 million, and tourist arrivals are projected to hit 6.5 million this year. The government has floated – and abandoned – a moratorium on tourism development, opting instead for tighter controls. Local environmental group Walhi Bali said it supported reining in unregulated growth but criticised 'selective enforcement'. 'From our research, there are many other developments across Bali lacking permits and environmental assessments,' said Walhi Bali's Ida Bagus Arya Yoga Bharata. 'The inconsistency highlights the slow and weak governance in Bali's development planning.' The head of Bali's Public Order Agency, I Dewa Nyoman Rai Darmadi, denied claims that the demolitions were clearing space for luxury developments. 'That's a hoax,' he told the Guardian. He said it was about safety, with many businesses packed into the steep cliff zone and that public land was 'not for business like currently'. 'This is protected land. There's no indication of it being taken over by an investor.' Still, uncertainty looms, even from officials. 'Once it's renovated, it will become an attraction – whether for surfers or something else,' said Governor Koster. 'At the very least, tourists will want to come, and it will contribute to the wellbeing of the local community.' And without a clear plan, locals worry the area could be redeveloped without them. But despite the sadness, Semadhi said he was optimistic about the future. 'If they are going to do it, then maybe we can do it properly this time, a new beginning. But let us be part of it. Don't erase the soul of Bingin.'
The Sun
4 hours ago
- The Sun
Look around the idyllic tropical island with incredible white beaches & dolphins – but only 6,000 people visit it a year
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BBC News
7 hours ago
- BBC News
20250801-why-these-new-tourist-taxes-may-be-a-good-thing (GIF Image, 1 × 1 pixels)
Getty Images A series of new climate-focused tourism fees could be the key to preserving some of the world's most beloved – and vulnerable – destinations. Your next holiday may be slightly more expensive than you expect – and it's not just because of inflation. Around the world, a growing number of destinations are introducing new climate-focused fees on hotel stays, ferry tickets and admission to national parks and other protected areas. But even though paying more for a trip may feel frustrating, these new fees could help ensure some of your favourite destinations survive in a world of rising seas, record heat and natural disasters. Getty Images The 2023 Maui wildfires were one of the deadliest climate-related natural disasters in US history (Credit: Getty Images) This May, Hawaii took an unprecedented step by enacting the US's first tourist tax explicitly tied to the climate crisis. Known as the Green Fee, the bill adds an additional 0.75% on top of existing accommodation taxes. 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Getty Images Greece implemented a Climate Crisis Resilience Fee in 2024 (Credit: Getty Images) In January 2024, Greece replaced its overnight stay tax with a Climate Crisis Resilience Fee. Travellers now pay €0.50 to €10 a night, depending on hotel class and season, with surcharges of up to €20 per person on popular islands like Mykonos and Santorini during peak periods. The government expects to raise €400m annually, which will be directed towards water infrastructure, disaster prevention and ecosystem restoration. Elsewhere, Bali introduced a 150,000 rupiah (£6.88) fee for international travellers in 2024 earmarked for environmental protection. The Maldives has imposed a nightly "Green Tax" since 2015, but doubled it in January 2025, with most hotels and resorts now charging $12 (€9) per person, per night. Revenues are channelled into a government-run fund for waste management and coastal resilience. In New Zealand, an International Visitor Levy – which was first introduced in 2019 but has nearly tripled to around NZD $100 (£45) in 2024 – supports conservation efforts and sustainable tourism infrastructure across the country. Compared to the overall cost of travel, these fees are often modest. But if they're managed well, their impact can be transformative. According to Dr Rachel Dodds, professor of tourism management at Toronto Metropolitan University in Canada, what ultimately makes these fees meaningful is how clearly they are communicated to residents and visitors. "Tourism taxes can be an easy source of additional income to support sustainability or climate initiatives," she says. "But transparency is essential to ensure the money actually goes to those initiatives." Getty Images The Maldives publishes reports showing how its taxes are allocated to help coastal protection (Credit: Getty Images) At some destinations, that clarity already exists. The Maldives publishes monthly Green Fund reports detailing exactly how its revenue tax is allocated to coastal protection, waste treatment and water access. New Zealand's visitor levy is accompanied by annual performance reports showing which projects are selected, funded and completed, such as the redevelopment of Cathedral Cove's storm-damaged trails and major investments in the New Zealand Cycle Trails, including upgrades, maintenance and climate-resilient improvements. Hawaii is also working to improve clarity around how its new tourist taxes will be used. After the Lahaina fires, the state established a Climate Advisory Team (CAT), which published a 60-page report outlining potential resilience efforts and funding sources to ensure transparency and build public trust. "The comprehensive data that we were able to present, including surveys of residents statewide, actuarial analysis of the potential impacts of climate events and extensive engagement with experts across the climate resilience spectrum, resulted in a favourable public opinion of a climate fee," says CAT chair Chris Benjamin. Surveys suggest visitors are ready to contribute – if they know their money will be used well. According to 2024 Sustainable Travel Report, 75% of global travellers said they wanted to travel more sustainably in the year ahead, and 71% said they hoped to leave the places they visit better than how they found them. A separate 2023 study by Euromonitor found that nearly 80% of visitors were willing to pay at least 10% more for sustainable travel options. Maho Tanaka, a Japanese advertising professional based in Tokyo who hopes to visit Hawaii in the next year, says she supports the state's new climate fee. "It depends on how much it is," she says. "If it were too expensive, especially with the weak yen, it might discourage me. But if it's just 0.75%, like an extra $3 on a $400 stay, then that seems fine." While Tanaka doesn't actively track how such fees are used, she says their overall purpose matters. "If it's going toward protecting Hawaii's beaches and forests, then that's a good thing… It feels [like] a contribution to something important. Hawaii is like one big national park. It makes sense to support it." Alamy Surveys suggest most travellers are willing to pay climate-related visitor taxes if their uses are clearly communicated (Credit: Alamy) Zixuan Liu, a Chinese national, recently spent three weeks travelling around Greece after the nation implemented its new Climate Crisis Resilience Fee and echoes the survey's findings: "I did notice the charge and thought it was a bit expensive, but I wasn't sure how it was being used. If that were made clearer, I'd actually be happy to pay more – as long as the money is going to the right place." Still, experts warn that sustainability shouldn't be treated as an add-on. "We need to bake sustainability into our operations, services and offerings so that travellers choose it by default," says Christopher Imbsen, Vice President of Research and Sustainability at the World Travel & Tourism Council. "It shouldn't be a premium or an added layer of complexity. If sustainability is embedded from the start, people won't need to consciously choose it – it will simply be the obvious choice." At its core, the rise of climate-linked tourist taxes isn't just about funding; it's about rewriting the social contract of travel. For decades, tourism has largely operated as an extractive economy: visitors arrive, consume and leave. But in a climate-compromised world, that model is no longer sustainable. These modest fees reflect something bigger: a transition from tourism as consumption to tourism as collaboration. We're moving towards a future that invites travellers to go beyond merely visiting and encourages them to take part in the shared responsibility of preservation. Getty Images Travellers are now being encouraged to participate in preservation efforts like never before (Credit: Getty Images) Fazekas says responsible tourism in Hawaii means "slowing down" – fewer crowds, more meaningful experiences and deeper respect for the local culture and environment. To her, it's also about educating visitors, reducing impact and creating opportunities to give back, "not just take a photo and leave". So yes, your next trip may be a little more expensive. But that extra $10 or €20 may just help preserve these destinations for the generations that follow. For more Travel stories from the BBC, follow us on Facebook and Instagram.
