HONOLULU — Canada-based Dynamic Attractions is looking to build a Ferris wheel and a motion theater on a pier in Honolulu.
The company has proposed the project for the Ala Wai Harbor in Waikiki, Hawaii News Now reported this week.
Similar to Seattle’s Pier 57 development, the attractions would be constructed at the end of the harbor’s second pier, which previously housed a fueling dock.
The state Department of Land and Natural Resources has been looking for business partners to redevelop the Ala Wai Harbor, but it has not yet issued a request for proposals.
Dynamic Attractions declined to comment, noting it intends to hold public meetings later this month.
Area residents have already voiced opposition to the proposal, citing concerns about increased traffic congestion and blocked ocean views.
“It will be noisy, it will be just traffic, lights — people trying to park everywhere,” said Lyn Silva, who lives at the Ala Wai Harbor.
The company has built similar theaters in Seattle and Disneyland, which give participants a sense of soaring over scenic areas and landmarks.
Nearly two decades ago, a Ferris wheel project was proposed on the shoreline near Kewalo Basin. The state agency rejected the idea, citing the project as too risky.
State Sen. Sharon Moriwaki said the company told her that it intends to reduce traffic in the area by busing in visitors. The company also plans to turn off the Ferris wheel lights after 10 p.m., she said.
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Information from: KGMB-TV, http://www.hawaiinewsnow.com/
