Olympics-Tahiti locals say plans for smaller surf judging tower still unacceptable

FILE PHOTO: Olympics - Paris 2024 Olympics Press Conference - Paris, France - July 18, 2023 The logo of the Paris 2024 Paralympics is pictured on the building of the Organising Committee headquarters ahead of a press conference REUTERS/Gonzalo Fuentes/File Photo

(Reuters) - Residents of the Tahitian village that will host the 2024 Olympic surfing event remain opposed to plans to build a new smaller judging tower on the reef, saying it will still damage corals and risk the health of the lagoon.

Locals from Teahupo'o last month protested plans by Games organisers to build a new 14 metre aluminium tower and a permanent 800m service pipeline to enable up to 40 people to watch, film and judge the surfing competition.