Shark’s Cove businesses fight to stay as city plans first responder hub

HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) – Several businesses at Shark’s Cove say they are fighting to stay after the city purchased the property to build a new first responder hub on Oahu’s North Shore.

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The city spent $24.6 million to acquire the land, which officials say will become a base for emergency services, including lifeguards and ambulances.

During his State of the City address in March, Mayor Rick Blangiardi announced: “I’m pleased to report that all parties have signed the purchase and sale agreement for that property.”

The acquisition is expected to be finalized later this summer. Once completed, the city plans to issue eight businesses a 90-day notice to vacate.

Business owners say they support the need for expanded emergency services but are asking city leaders to consider options that would allow longtime tenants to remain.

Among those impacted is North Shore Surf Shop, a family-owned business that has operated at the property for about 25 years.

Landon McNamara, the owner’s son and 2024 Eddie Aikau Big Wave Invitational winner, said relocating would not be simple because the business depends on its North Shore location.

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“There is no place to relocate. This is the place that is zoned to be used for this purpose,” he said. “It’s been a long road of history with this property.”

The surf shop says it has about 35 employees who could be affected if the business is forced to leave.

The city said it does not have the legal authority to allow existing tenants to remain on the property on a long-term basis under the terms of the acquisition and applicable law.

In a statement, the city said:

“The City and County of Honolulu is purchasing the property to establish a designated First Responder Hub, an important public safety investment that will support emergency response operations for years to come. Under the terms of the acquisition and applicable law, the City does not have the legal authority to allow existing tenants to remain on the property on a long-term basis. Once the purchase is finalized, which is anticipated later this summer, the City will issue the required 90-day notice to vacate. The City is committed to assisting affected tenants throughout this process. In accordance with applicable relocation requirements, the City will provide relocation assistance to help tenants identify and transition to new business locations.”

Tenants say relocation assistance does not address their concerns, arguing the location itself is a key part of their businesses.

They say they hope to continue discussions with city officials before the 90-day notice period begins.

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