Thursday, April 19, 2018
Nathan Serota (808) 768-3046
Unsafe conditions require facility reconfiguration at Hale‘iwa Beach Park
Erosion resulting in removal of showers, closure of comfort station entrances, and more secure barriers
Hale‘iwa – Certain facilities at Hale‘iwa Beach Park are being secured, removed, and in some cases replaced as a result of safety concerns posed by erosion.
On the Waimea-side of the park, a seawall fronting an outdoor shower and comfort station is continuing to show signs of severe erosion. The affected areas have been marked off, but further erosion and the development of sink holes behind the seawall have resulted in the undermining of the foundations for the adjacent walkways and facilities.
The Department of Parks and Recreation, with guidance from the Department of Design and Construction, have determined that several of the nearby facilities must be removed or secured to ensure public safety. This popular location is frequented by locals and visitors, and the goal is to keep the pubic safe.
There are several immediate actions being taken as a result of these safety concerns:
- The makai entrances to both sides of the comfort stations are being secured. The mauka access to these bathroom facilities will remain open.
- The outdoor shower is being decommissioned and removed. We are currently exploring other, safer locations for replacement showers. The other shower located at the Waialua-end of the beach park will remain.
- A sturdier chain-link fence will be installed to restrict access and mitigate further erosion from foot traffic.
Additionally, arborists with the Division of Urban Forestry will be assessing the integrity of several palm trees near the sea wall whose root balls have been exposed due to the beach erosion.
The city is looking at long-term solutions to address this seawall and beach erosion that takes into account the current model of anticipated sea level rise.
We want to thank the public for their patience and understanding while these measures are taken to ensure public safety. We urge the public to please refrain from approaching the restricted areas and from engaging in any unsafe activity that might pose a danger to themselves or result in further damage to the park facilities.
-PAU-
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