Tensions Rise as the North Shore Faces More Development at Shark's Cove

Oahu's North Shore is known as "The Country."

Over the years, it's remained that way by residents resisting development that's threatened the Seven-Mile Miracle's country vibe.

They've fought against Turtle Bay, development on various sacred burial lands, and over 10 years ago, the expansion of the small shopping area at Shark's Cove. But now, the North Shore is facing expanded commercial development there again.

Hawaii's KHON2 reported on the issue yesterday in the news segment above.

It captioned the video:

"North Shore residents divided on Sharks Cove shopping center"

Developer Hanapohaku LLC owns the property, which is home to several small shops and food trucks, and wants to expand the shopping center with a bank, restaurant, urgent care center, and another surf shop.

The community is at odds over the proposed plans.

Some community members say it'll create more jobs, others say it'll serve tourists instead of locals, and that an emergency services hub should be built there instead.

The current shopping area is at the bottom of Pahoe Road on Kamehameha Highway and is zoned as a Rural Community Commercial Center.

It's next door to Foodland, the North Shore's only grocery store, and across the street from Shark's Cove, a tide pool and marine conservation area popular with tourists.

But some residents want to "keep the country country."

“It’s the largest commercial development, from what we know, on the North Shore ever,” said Denise Antolini, Malama Pupukea Waimea volunteer president who opposes the project told KHON2.

According to KHON2, Hanapohaku LLC says it's following the Sustainable Communities Plan—which outlines land use rules—by offering a range of goods and services to the communities.

The City Council is exploring the options.

Press play above for the full news report.

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