A group trying to prevent the sale of land in Haleiwa filed a lawsuit against the City and County of Honolulu.

It claims if the city sells the land to developers, fewer people will be able to access Haleiwa Beach Park.

It also claim surfers and water sports enthusiasts are in jeopardy of losing access to other popular island spots.

The "Save Haleiwa Beach Park Coalition" is trying to stop the city from selling three acres of land next to Haleiwa Beach Park to Kamehameha Schools and private hotel developer Andy Anderson.

"It's right in front of the widest piece of sandy beach in Haleiwa and it borders the ocean," said Jim Bickerton, an attorney who is representing the group pro bono.

"We're taking away public access for people not just in the North Shore community but the community around the state," said Haleiwa resident Steve Baldonado.

The coalition believes the city needs to obtain a Special Management Area permit whenever public access to the shoreline is reduced.

"It's to the point where on Sundays people have to park on both sides of the street in order to access it.  If any of that parking gets taken away, there will be restrictions on who can access the park and who can standup paddle," said Haleiwa resident Cora Sanchez.

In an email sent to Sanchez, Mayor Peter Carlisle wrote, "The city believes that neither a special management use permit nor an environmental assessment is required."

A city spokesperson told KITV4 News it does not comment on pending litigation.