I am writing to you as a deeply concerned resident of Oʻahu to strongly oppose the proposed gondola project on Mount Kaʻala. This plan is not only shortsighted but would permanently scar one of the most sacred and visually stunning landscapes in Hawaiʻi.

Mount Kaʻala is our island’s highest point and one of our most treasured natural and cultural landmarks. To place a gondola system on its slopes would be to deface the very mana of the mountain. The visual impact alone—steel cables, towers, and concrete—would forever alter the untouched beauty of this wahi pana. What makes Mount Kaʻala special is its unspoiled majesty; turning it into a tourist attraction would strip it of that essence.

Beyond aesthetics, the environmental cost would be devastating. The unique ecosystems that thrive on and around Mount Kaʻala are delicate and already under pressure. Construction and increased foot traffic would threaten native species, damage watersheds, and disrupt habitats that cannot be replaced once destroyed.

Further, the region’s infrastructure is simply not built to handle the influx of vehicles and people this project would generate. Roads in the area are narrow and already struggle with existing traffic. The burden on local communities would be immediate and long-lasting—from congestion to increased noise and pollution.

Perhaps most egregiously, this gondola is proposed for land that was designated for agricultural use. Our ag lands should be preserved for sustainable farming and food security—not converted into commercial amusement rides. This is a blatant misuse of land and a betrayal of the trust the public has placed in our zoning policies.

Finally, and perhaps most importantly, Mount Kaʻala holds deep spiritual and cultural significance to Native Hawaiians. It is not just a mountain; it is a sacred space. To commercialize it in such a way would be a painful act of desecration, ignoring the values and voices of the very people to whom this land is most sacred.

I urge you to oppose this project and stand with the community in protecting Mount Kaʻala. Once a place like this is altered, we cannot go back.