“Go destroy the real beach”: Birthplace of surfing rocked by bold proposal as local community remains divided

The history of surfing is deeply rooted in traditions. While for many it is summer shenanigans, for Hawaiians it symbolizes their heritage, traditions, and connection to the ocean. Thriving in the archipelago, the sport was once reserved for Hawaiian royalty and was known as the sport of kings. And now, for some, the sanctity of the sport feels threatened.

Surfer Brian Keaulana’s bold proposal to create a wave pool near the beach has sparked considerable discussion and controversy in Hawaii, especially among Native Hawaiians. It has sparked debates about the compatibility of a globally adopted modern sport with the rich cultural heritage of the islanders. The contentious nature of the project has resulted in a legal battle.

Surfing visionary Brian Keaulana envisions a state-of-the-art wave park

Growing up in Makaha, Brian Keaulana honed his surfing, diving and water safety skills under the guidance of his father, Buffalo Keaulana, a renowned waterman. Brian gained recognition for riding huge waves, competing in Big Wave contests, and later becoming Oahu’s West Side Lifeguard Captain. He also made appearances on Baywatch: Hawaii and worked as a stunt coordinator on numerous movies.

Taking inspiration from Kelly Slater’s wave pool, Brian aims to create a similar haven for competitive surfers looking for consistent, flawless waves.“You see these surfers going to these surf parks and catching wave after wave and they’re honing their skills and then they go into the ocean when there’s a swell.” said the surf master.

With the help of state-of-the-art technology, surfer Brian Keaulana envisions a groundbreaking facility that would redefine the surfing landscape. According to ABC 6 News, this ambitious project aims to create an artificial wave park where competitive surfers can keep their edge and safety skills can be honed in a controlled environment..“The ocean is the greatest treasure we have. But it can be flat. It can be big. It may be dirty. It may have, you know, sharks here and there.” said the 62-year-old lifeguard. The state-of-the-art electromechanical system would generate up to 1,000 waves per hour, reproducing ocean waves up to 8 feet high with a simple tap on a tablet.

Beyond the surf lagoon, the 19-acre site would offer a variety of exciting activities, from rock climbing to beach volleyball to skateboarding. Keaulana’s motivation stems from his concern for Hawaii’s would-be Olympic surfers, who don’t have access to dedicated surf parks. This puts them at a disadvantage compared to their counterparts who can easily be trained at such facilities around the world. However, the road is littered with obstacles, as Keaulana faces a legal battle with the native community over his proposal.

A legal battle ensues over the proposed wave pool, raising cultural concerns.

In the legal arena, the bill is tangled up, revealing unrest among certain native Hawaiians. Nearby residents filed a lawsuit in state environmental court, alleging that the proposed 7-million-gallon artificial pool would harm marine algae and ancient debris in the area. Healani Sonoda-Pale, plaintiff in the case, expressed concern, saying.“They are benefiting from a cultural practice by controlling it by making these wave pools, which are going to destroy the actual beach that is nearby.”

Critics argue that with a recently opened wave pool nearby, building another is unnecessary and wasteful. However, Brian consulted with Hawaiian cultural advisers and conducted studies to protect the site and ensure that his project is successful. The case is pending and a hearing is scheduled for July with a decision date uncertain.

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