Posted on: Thursday, September 23, 2004
Natatorium contractor gets OK to begin work
By Johnny Brannon
Advertiser Capitol Bureau
Emergency repairs to the crumbling Waikiki War Memorial Natatorium pool and deck structure likely will begin within a month, but long-term plans for the historic landmark remain unresolved.
City managing director Ben Lee said the city had issued an official "notice to proceed" on the project to contractor Healy Tibbitts Builders Inc. The emergency work is expected to cost about $6 million.
Residents and community activists have debated for more than a decade over what should be done with the natatorium pool and decorative archway, built in 1927 to honor World War I veterans from Hawai'i.
Mayoral candidates Duke Bainum and Mufi Hannemann said yesterday that they don't think the city should spend the money until there is a complete plan. Both said any future use of the site must recognize the veterans.
Lee said the structure is dangerous and must be stabilized to prevent injury while a decision on larger plans is pending.
A section of the pool deck collapsed in May, and engineering studies found the rest of the structure at risk of collapse. The repairs are meant to shore up the deck and stabilize the sea walls.
Some City Council members opposed the emergency work because the structure's overall future remains undecided. But because short-term work is now scheduled, the council yesterday shelved a resolution that urged the city administration not to proceed.
"We still haven't seen a complete plan, and I don't think the administration should spend the money in the meantime," said council chairman Donovan Dela Cruz.
In 1998, the city spent $4 million to repair the natatorium's concrete bleachers and adjoining memorial wall before a lawsuit by opponents to the restoration project stopped work.
Although the bleacher structure appears to be in good condition overall, large cracks, evidence of corrosion and signs of foundation settlement were seen in the bleacher supports, slab and walls, engineers said.
Reach Johnny Brannon at jbrannon@honoluluadvertiser.com or 525-8070.
