Canoe paddlers fight for Sand Island waterway usage

State wants to build a multimillion dollar beach park and marina: Paddlers say no

By Cam Tran

 UPDATED 9:39 AM HST Jun 21, 2012

A proposal for a new marina on Sand Island caused a stir for some local canoe clubs.

The Department of Land and Natural Resources wants to build a $35 million beach park with a marina that could house up to 400 boats along the Kalaheo Channel.

The estimated $2 million a year profit from the marina would go to sustain the entire park.

"Right now we are generating ideas on how we can generate revenue for the state to maintain these facilities," Eric Yuasa of DLNR said.  "If you have a safe facility you need revenue to maintain it."

However, several local canoe clubs who use the same channel don't want the marina near where they practice because they say it puts their paddlers' safety at risk.

"The boats come by they are supposed to stop but they don't, so we stop." Pua Paiaina from the Healani Canoe Club said. "When I have my steersman out there that is only 10 years old, they are going to panic."

Several club members met with their state representatives Wednesday evening.  They hope to come up with a compromise with the state regarding the marina.

DLNR says the master plan is still in its early stages, and representatives are still meeting with groups that could be impacted by the development.