Popular trampoline on Oahu beach will be bounced, state says
LAIE, OAHU (HawaiiNewsNow) - A trampoline that sits in shallow waters off Laie Beach Park, better known as Pounders Beach, has become Oahu's latest hot spot.
The state said it removed the trampoline once before, but another showed up, and now droves of visitors are flocking to the quiet, relatively empty area, all thanks to the internet.
"The hardest thing about it is, it's become insta-famous and we see a lot of people from all over coming and just not showing the respect as if we were to come into their neighborhood," said Hauula resident Mark Holladay Lee.
Beachgoer Chris Montoya recently moved to Hawaii and heard of the trampoline through social media.
He came Monday to bounce around, only to discover a tear in the fabric.
"It was in working order a few weeks ago, today not so much," Montoya said.
The trampoline is attached to remnant pilings that once supported a pier.
Residents say it was first installed last year by a group of locals looking to add a new twist to fun in the sun.
"They are watermen," said Lee. "They love the ocean. They're out here with the community with their kids and friends from school."
But according to the Department of Land and Natural Resources, it's illegal and dangerous.
State officials told Hawaii News Now the trampoline will come down for good, once the department receives the proper funding.
No word on when that will happen, but the thought of losing another gem on Oahu, isn't sitting too well with the community.
"It makes Hauula, Hauula because this is us, this is what we do," Lee said. "We don't have a water park like the west side so this is our water park."
The trampoline isn't the only dangerous attraction drawing attention.
A utility pole once served as a diving platform at Alan Davis Beach, and many flocked to a makeshift swing that once sat atop the Stairway to Heaven hike.
Both have been taken down.
"The gems do get exploited, but that's just the nature of them," said beachgoer Savannah Forti. "I think they're a bonus. It's like being on Oahu is a scavenger hunt always so it should stay that way."
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