Beaches in Hawai'i are prime recreation spots, key engines of tourism, symbols of the island lifestyle — in other words, precious public resources.

But they are also under pressure, from development, poor management or worse, no management at all.

That's why it's encouraging that one popular beach area, in Kailua, will receive close attention from state and University of Hawai'i environmental planners.

The $50,000 management plan, to be developed by the UH Sea Grant program and the state Department of Land and Natural Resources, should be a significant step toward preserving one of O'ahu's finest beaches. If successful, it could also advance the cause of sound beach-preservation practices across the Islands.

Kailua is a natural choice. Kailua Bay's shoreline includes a large curving swath of conditions both bad and promising. Among them:

• Lanikai Beach, nearly gone because of rigid seawalls that protect multimillion-dollar homes;

• Heavy erosion at the nearby boat ramp and Kailua Beach Park, exposing tree roots and long-buried concrete blocks;

• Robust stretches of sand (this is the promising news) fronting homes that are set well back from the shoreline, and a buildup of sand toward the north end of Kailua Beach.

The management plan will not resolve these complex issues. Neither will nature.

But the plan can provide a useful blueprint for coordinated efforts among city, state and federal agencies, all of which affect beach management by their policy decisions.

A strong public education campaign should also be part of the plan. Developers and oceanfront homeowners need to appreciate and follow the rules unique to living by the beach. Setbacks should allow for the natural expansion and contraction of beaches. Homeowners shouldn't encroach on state conservation land. And most important, additional seawalls should be banned, period.

There are signs of progress.

Maui and Kaua'i counties are implementing erosion-based setback regulations matched to changing beach conditions. The DLNR wants to push Honolulu in the same direction.

It's hoped that this worthy effort at a sensible management plan will improve conditions on the beaches of Kailua.

The next step: Improve conditions everywhere else.