Reports from the Cook Islands say Penryhn islanders are opposed to sea bed mining, purse-seining and making the island a fishing hub and a base for the police patrol boat.
The Cook Islands News said the sentiment was confirmed by a former minister from Penryhn, Wilkie Rasmussen, after a visit by a senior government delegation.
Mr Rasmussen said the prime minister, Henry Puna, played on the issue saying the people opposing the delegation's ideas were being emotional.
Aerial photograph of Penrhyn, also known as Tongareva in the Cook Islands. Photo: Ewan Smith
He disclosed the fishing plans last month but the prime minister's spokesman then dismissed the revelation as inaccurate.
The paper said the spokesman acknowledged the project's existence after being contradicted on the issue by parties interested in it.