Editorial
Waikiki beach loss need not be permanent

There is a sense that beach preservationists and city officials are talking past each other on the issue of recent improvements made along Kuhio Beach.

University of Hawai'i geologist Chip Fletcher has warned that the improvements — mostly landscaping — are being made at the expense of the beach itself. Because the grass, trees and water elements are being put in areas that were formerly exposed sand, he said, the beach will be lost.

But city officials say the improvements have brought high praise from visitors and residents alike. And that's true. We have noted in this space that the improvements add aesthetic quality, shade and visual beauty to the waterfront along Kalakaua Avenue.

The truth of the matter is that both perspectives are correct. Yes, the improvements are popular and add interest and beauty to the area. But, as is true anywhere in the state, construction on or at the sand at water's edge will almost inevitably lead to erosion.

Fletcher and others from the University of Hawai'i and the state have pointed to this scenario in numerous places around the Islands.

Their prescription is fairly straightforward: Build far enough back from the beach so that the natural erosion and accretion of sandy beach can take place uninterrupted; avoid building seawalls wherever and whenever possible; and experiment on beach replenishment techniques.

How can this prescription apply in Waikiki?

The first thing to remember is that much of the beach there is "artificial" to begin with. It is built in part with sand that was brought in from elsewhere.

Thus, if the beach along Kuhio is being sacrificed for lawns, trees and artificial ponds, we are sacrificing one kind of "artificial" attraction for another.

Second, this seems to be ideal for additional experiments with beach replenishment and replacement. If a beach was built there once, perhaps it can be built there again.

Finally, there is the issue of building back from the beach. This may be a long-term idea, but eventually we should come to the conclusion that the best use of the land immediately behind Waikiki and Kuhio beaches is something other than four or five lanes of asphalt. Rather than putting these attractive improvements on sandy beach, why not back up and put them on what is now the makai side of Kalakaua Avenue?