Posted on: Monday, October 1, 2001

Editorial
FAA does its part for Diamond Head

Preservation and restoration of Hawai'i's premier landmark, Diamond Head, is a slow and sometimes frustrating effort. But thanks to the efforts of the Federal Aviation Administration, we're closer to where we should be.

At one time, it seemed likely that we'd see hotels and billboards sprouting from the landmark's slopes. Luckily, those misguided notions were headed off.

But the inside of the crater has found itself with some strange uses — as a National Guard headquarters and an FAA facility.

After years of urging and then planning, the FAA has truly done the right thing. It used to maintain a building with equipment to guide aircraft from 20 to 250 miles out from O'ahu. Now that equipment has been moved to expanded facilities at Hickam Air Force Base.

The really good news is that the FAA has paid to take steps that will nearly obscure any sign that it was ever a Diamond Head denizen. It has completely removed its building, graded the area and replanted with native plants. Once the vegetation is established, even the drip irrigation system will be invisible.

Needless to say, the National Guard is far too busy at the moment, guarding our airport and preparing for other "Enduring Freedom" missions. But the five-year timetable for its move out of the crater is too long.

The Diamond Head State Monument has been in the planning for 25 years. The FAA move is the first real progress to date. Its leadership is to be commended for its community-mindedness.