Residents plan to protest Turtle Bay expansion

By Marisa Yamane

They're not going down without a fight.

Dozens of people against new development at Turtle Bay spent the day gearing up for a protest.

This comes just days after the city tentatively approved an expansion plan at Turtle Bay Resort.

Residents opposed to the plan say the fight's not over.

Whether to surf or sightsee, thousands pass through Oahu's North Shore daily.

The North Shore has always been an area where Oahu residents come to play," said Toby Morris of the Defend Oahu Coalition.

It's a way of life many have grown accustomed to, and are now afraid to lose.

"By setting it up as a resort development they're taking away our playground," said Morris.

Members of the Defend Oahu Coalition spent the day gearing up for the fight.

"They're fighting one extreme so we gotta fight the other extreme," said Janna Bills of the Defend Oahu Coalition.

A fight against expansion at Turtle Bay Resort.

This week, the city gave tentative approval to Kuilima Resort Company, to build five more hotels at Turtle Bay and Kawela Bay.

"It's like a kick in the gut and it really hurt," said Mark Manley of the Defend Oahu Coalition.

The expansion plan is based on an agreement made in 1986 between the city, state, developers, and community.

The agreement does not have an expiration date.

"I wish 20 years ago there was as strong a push as we're trying to make now. I don't think this is over-reaction at all," said Katye Killebrew of the Defend Oahu Coalition.

Not all residents are opposed to the plan. Those in favor see the potential for economic benefits, like more money coming into local businesses and thousands of new jobs.

This topic has certainly divided the community.

"Putting a development of this magnitude out in this area with poor little two lane Kamehameha Highway to support it in the guise of creating jobs for the people out here is irresponsible," said Killebrew.

Sunday, dozens of members of this grassroots group will protest in front of Turtle Bay Resort.

"Just making the public aware. And let all the politicians know we're out here and don't want this," said Manley.

Keep in mind, nothing is final yet.

Under the tentative approval, Kuilima Resort Company must submit final development plans to the city by the end of the year.

The city will then review those plans then decide whether to issue a building permit.