It looks like a miniature Washington Monument painted bright white, but city officials hope the obelisk they dedicated yesterday at China Wall will become an instantly recognizable symbol of danger.

The obelisk unveiled at China Wall — the site of numerous ocean-related deaths, including two drownings this year — could become one of four along the East Honolulu shoreline.

Officials also would like to see similar obelisks placed at Halona Blow Hole, Spitting Caves and Lana'i Lookout. Both Spitting Caves and the Lana'i Lookout were the scenes of drownings this year, including an incident in October when a tourist was swept off the lookout by a huge wave while posing for a photograph.

City emergency officials, troubled that people did not understand the danger at numerous coastal spots despite traditional warning signs, chose the distinctive obelisk because it had once been a familiar warning along O'ahu's coastline. Japanese fishermen first erected similar obelisks in the 1930s and they stood for decades.

The new obelisk was emblazoned with the word danger in English and Japanese as well symbols used by lifeguards to indicate that people have been swept off of the coastal ledge by huge waves.

"If we can save a life with this, we're happy," said Dr. Libby Char, director of the city's Department of Emergency Services. "I think this is something visitors will heed."

Reach Mike Gordon at mgordon@honoluluadvertiser.com.