The long sandy stretch of Oneloa Beach at Makena State Park appeals not only to visitors, but also to sea turtles, and striking a balance between the two has been a challenge. Gary Kubota/The Maui News

The Maui Planning Commission on Tuesday deferred action on a permit request for a proposed facilities expansion at Makena State Park in South Maui after hearing concerns about potential impacts on water quality and nesting turtles, including endangered hawksbills.

The parks division of the state Department of Land and Natural Resources is seeking a special management area permit for the project. The commission asked the division to respond to a list of questions at a public hearing scheduled for July 14.

Nearly 50 people testified Tuesday, including Hawaii Wildlife Fund Executive Director Hannah Bernard, who said hawksbill turtles nesting at Oneloa Beach have had a high rate of success.

She said the group fears lighting from restrooms and showers could contribute to the degradation of nesting habitat. Turtle hatchlings typically make their way to the ocean at night, and Bernard said they can be disoriented by lights.

“We oppose any kind of lighting at nightfall,” she said. “We’ve had turtles nesting and hatchlings coming out and going toward those lights.”

Acting state parks administrator Alan Carpenter responds to questions about a proposed facilities expansion at Makena State Park during a public hearing before the Maui Planning Commission on Tuesday. The commission has asked the parks division to respond to a list of questions after hearing testimony from nearly 50 people. Gary Kubota/The Maui News

Supporters of the expanded facilities said visitors and residents should have the convenience of permanent restrooms and showers.

Opponents said they wanted to preserve the wilderness quality of the beach. A number of residents also testified against installing shower facilities and expanding the paved parking area because of concerns about runoff into the ocean.

During the hearing, commissioners asked about reserving parking stalls for residents, whether there was a commitment to provide a bicycle path and options for pervious parking.

Jason Kaimikaua, a former lifeguard at Makena State Park, said he opposed the expansion because of the potential for serious spinal injuries tied to the shape of the shoreline.

He said adding comfort stations and paved parking, which could attract children and elderly visitors, sends the wrong message to the public.

The department said signs have been posted warning the public of potentially dangerous ocean conditions, and it continues to contract with the county to provide lifeguard services at the beaches.