A proposal by Haseko to develop part of its Ewa Beach property continues to draw stiff opposition from several residents who insist that the site near Oneula Beach Park is not a good fit for the project.

Haseko’s plans call for a recreational lagoon by the Hoakalei Country Club and Golf Course and White Plains Beach, as well as pavilions, gazebos or covered shelters within a 60-foot shoreline setback.

Although the company has gained approval for a rezoning request, which now will go to the City Council for a final vote, it also needs a separate special management area use permit and shoreline setback variance from the Department of Planning and Permitting.

A public meeting, with more than 100 residents in attendance, held by the department on Tuesday garnered opposition from dozens of Ewa Beach residents, many of whom spoke against developing the shoreline near the beach park, popularly known as Hau Bush.

"This is a family community," said Shannon Martinez, who moved to Ewa Beach eight years ago and bought a house in the neighborhood. "We do not need more tourist activity all the way down there."

Residents said the project would hamper public access to Hau Bush, which is used for fishing and camping. Others expressed concern over how runoff could affect the water.

"This is wrong for the community," said Glenn Oamilda, president of the Ewa Beach Community Association.

Sharene Saito Tam, Haseko’s vice president, maintains that Hau Bush is under the city’s jurisdiction and that the development will not block access to the public beach.

She added that an underground system mauka of Hau Bush does not have an ocean outlet, so no runoff should go into the water there.

"I know that there was some misinformation saying that Haseko intended to close off Hau Bush. That is not true," Saito Tam said. "We’ve done our best to … be a good neighbor in this community."

Haseko hopes the development will foster a sense of community and encourage people to mingle and get to know each other, she said.

But several residents remain skeptical of the possible negative effects the development could have on the area.

Shaylan Arneho, who was born and raised in Ewa Beach, said she thinks the development would restrict public access to the beach park.

"My love of the land comes from this place," said Arneho, 23. "My life revolves around this place."

But Kurt Fevella, a member of the Ewa Neighborhood Board, said due to misinformation, many residents think that Hau Bush will be closed. He contends residents will still be able to fish and camp at the beach park regardless of Haseko’s project.

Saito Tam echoed a similar point, adding that Haseko is committed to being a good steward to the community.

"What we’re here for is to keep it open to the public, to make sure it is maintained," she said.