Save Kaimana Beach: News

News

View: News / Letters to the Editor / Editorial Cartoons / Legal Actions

June 29, 2007: Honolulu studies work on crumbling memorial
The city is gearing up to patch the most glaring structural decay at the Waikiki War Memorial Natatorium, as studies aim to determine the future of the 80-year-old landmark.
Honolulu Advertiser
November 30, 2006: Waikiki Natatorium shore will tell if pool can go
Mayor Mufi Hannemann's administration is exploring alternate uses for the decaying Waikiki War Memorial Natatorium, and one option might include getting rid of its controversial saltwater pool.
Honolulu Advertiser
October 3, 2006: Waikiki lagoon a possibility
The state Department of Land and Natural Resources is exploring an idea to create a new lagoon-type beach next to the Waikiki Aquarium.
Honolulu Advertiser
June 21, 2006: Natatorium faces another study
Next month, the city expects to hire a planning consultant to consider the future of the Waikiki War Memorial Natatorium. Again.
Honolulu Advertiser
January 4, 2005: Mayor stops all Natatorium work
On his first full day at the helm of the city, Mayor Mufi Hannemann carried out his threat to stop repair work on the deteriorating Waikiki War Memorial Natatorium.
Honolulu Star-Bulletin
January 4, 2005: Natatorium repairs on hold
Mayor Mufi Hannemann, in one of his first acts in office, suspended repair work at the Waikiki War Memorial Natatorium yesterday.
Honolulu Advertiser
December 8, 2004: Natatorium: Time for Harris to let go
"It seems completely illogical," says the director of the Waikiki Aquarium in what may be the understatement of the year... Throwing $6 million at this project at this time is "completely illogical" -- to say the least.
Honolulu Advertiser (editorial)
December 8, 2004: Friends fight demolition
The Waikiki War Memorial Natatorium now more than ever is under threat of being demolished because of the changing political climate at City Hall.
Honolulu Star-Bulletin
December 3, 2004: Hannemann plans to scrap Natatorium restoration project
Mayor-elect Mufi Hannemann has promised that one of his first acts in office will be to kill a proposed $6.1 million construction project to repair the aging Waikiki War Memorial.
Honolulu Star-Bulletin
December 3, 2004: Harris, Hannemann spar over Natatorium
Mayor Jeremy Harris' administration intends to move ahead with a plan to shore up the sagging structure, but Mayor-elect Mufi Hannemann said he would immediately cancel the work after being sworn into office next month.
Honolulu Advertiser
November 24, 2004: Natatorium legal woes grow
A group that wants the Waikiki War Memorial Natatorium torn down filed a lawsuit yesterday to halt any city work on facility.
Honolulu Advertiser
November 24, 2004: City sued over plans to restore Natatorium
The city is violating state law by going ahead with restoration of the crumbling Waikiki Natatorium without the proper permits, according to a lawsuit filed yesterday in Circuit Court.
Honolulu Star-Bulletin
November 4, 2004: Heavy turnout pushed Hannemann to victory
Mufi Hannemann, shown on his way to a press conference yesterday, said he remained committed to stopping Mayor Jeremy Harris' project to drive piles into the beach to shore up the Waikiki Natatorium.
Honolulu Advertiser
November 4, 2004: Hannemann vows to build administration with unity
Hannemann said he will talk to Harris about not moving forward with the planned construction at the Waikiki War Memorial Natatorium project, which he brought up during the campaign.
Honolulu Star-Bulletin
October 28, 2004: Natatorium repairs, scheduled to begin today, postponed
Emergency repairs to the crumbling Waikiki War Memorial Natatorium that had been scheduled to start today have been postponed until late next month because construction materials have not arrived from the Mainland, city officials said.
Honolulu Advertiser
October 21, 2004: Natatorium repair plan comes under criticism
Shoring up the crumbling War Memorial Natatorium will require placing 82 piles in the ground along the Waikiki shoreline, but a contractor will try to minimize the impact on neighbors, including the aquarium, city officials said yesterday.
Honolulu Advertiser
October 20, 2004: Aquarium objects to pile driver proposal
Driving reinforcement pilings into the reef below the crumbling Waikiki War Memorial Natatorium might cause serious vibrations that could damage the nearby Waikiki Aquarium and dangerously disrupt the environment of its rare fishes, according to the aquarium's director.
Honolulu Advertiser
September 29, 2004: Pull the plug
It appears that Mayor Jeremy Harris is hell bent on sinking more money into the decrepit Natatorium whether the public or the Honolulu City Council likes it or not.
Honolulu Weekly
September 23, 2004: Natatorium project under way
Mayor Jeremy Harris' administration is moving ahead with the $6.1 million project to shore up the aging, crumbling Waikiki War Memorial Natatorium.
Honolulu Star-Bulletin
September 9, 2004: Council committee urges halt to Natatorium work
A key City Council committee yesterday urged Mayor Jeremy Harris' administration not to spend $6.6 million for emergency work on the Waikiki War Memorial Natatorium pool and deck structure until final plans for the pool are complete.
Honolulu Advertiser
September 8, 2004: City Council Halts Repairs For Natatorium
The Honolulu City Council Budget Committee Wednesday passed two resolutions to halt emergency repairs on the Waikiki Natatorium until more is known about the full cost of making the pool usable again and maintaining it.
KITV Channel 4 News
September 5, 2004: Hearing this week on natatorium
The Honolulu City Council will hold a hearing Wednesday on two resolutions that could halt or scale back the Harris administration's plan to make repairs to the crumbling Waikiki War Memorial Natatorium. ..."I don't know why the administration has to rush to do this now, because they don't have a plan and they don't have the money to finish the pool," Kobayashi said.
Honolulu Advertiser
September 4, 2004: New City Council resolutions urge Mayor Harris to not begin $6.1 million reconstruction of Natatorium
In a move to halt the $6.1 million "patch up" renovation of the Natatorium seawalls and pool deck, the Honolulu City Council has introduced two resolutions that would urge the Harris administration to not break ground on this unpopular and unnecessary construction project.
September 4, 2004: Natatorium resolutions lauded: A coalition supports measures that scale back current plans
The Save Kaimana Beach Coalition is applauding two City Council resolutions that could halt or scale back $6.1 million in work that Mayor Jeremy Harris' administration has planned to shore up the aging, crumbling Waikiki War Memorial Natatorium.
Honolulu Star-Bulletin
September 1, 2004: Just Thoughts: Signs, Taxes And The Natatorium
...we should rush City Hall with torches and string up Jeremy Harris by his thumbs unless he recants spending another $6 million to patch up the unswimmable Natatorium.
Bob Jones
MidWeek
August 23, 2004: The Truth About Historic Preservation: Adaptive Re-use of the Natatorium
Contrary to the Harris administration's assertions, historic preservation laws would not prevent the creation of a memorial beach along the lines proposed by the Kaimana Beach Coalition. Although the Natatorium is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and Hawaii Register of Historic Places, these designations are not the end of the story.
August 22, 2004: Kaimana Beach Coalition fought to protect health of Waikiki swimmers
Last week's condemnation of the Kaimana Beach Coalition by engineer Steven Baldridge was mercifully muted by self-promotion and unspoken loyalty to Friends of the Natatorium ("With drop-in pool, Natatorium might live to splash another day," Gathering Place, Aug. 15).
Honolulu Star-Bulletin
August 20, 2004: Memories of Duke Kahanamoku and the Natatorium
"He was too polite to say so, but it became very clear that Duke just didn't want to swim in the Natatorium." In 1967, long-time staff photographer for the Honolulu Star-Bulletin, John Titchen, received a call from the Editor of Sports Illustrated and Titchen was retained to "shoot a photo of Duke swimming in the Natatorium"...
August 16, 2004: Natatorium: time for the pool to go
We now recognize that every inch of beachfront is precious. Why not restore the beachfront there, where every visitor will pass first through an archway that reminds us of the sacrifices of those who fought and died to protect the freedoms we now enjoy?
Honolulu Advertiser (Editorial)
August 13, 2004: Natatorium repair plan faces fight
Most City Council members object to Mayor Jeremy Harris' $6 million plan to make emergency repairs at the Waikiki War Memorial Natatorium, but whether they have the authority to halt the action remains to be seen.
Honolulu Advertiser
August 10, 2004: Emergency repair set for Waikiki natatorium
Can the natatorium be saved? Parts of the War Memorial Natatorium in Waikiki are so badly deteriorated that the entire complex could collapse eventually, city officials said yesterday.
Honolulu Advertiser
June 20, 2004: Natatorium debate at crucial junction
It may be now or never for the crumbling War Memorial Natatorium in Waikiki. Both those who want to see it restored to full glory and those who want it torn down completely say damage discovered recently in the 77-year-old memorial could be just the thing needed to bring the long, sad saga of the natatorium to a head.
Honolulu Advertiser
May 29, 2004: Part of aging pool deck collapses
The seawalls of the Waikiki War Memorial Natatorium are starting to pull away from the rest of the aging structure with enough force that part of the pool deck recently collapsed in front of the bleachers.
Honolulu Advertiser
May 28, 2004: Deck's collapse closes restrooms at Natatorium
City officials have closed the newly renovated restrooms outside the Waikiki War Memorial Natatorium because of fears that the crumbling structure will continue to collapse.
Honolulu Star-Bulletin
June 11, 2003: Waikiki natatorium's future remains uncertain
Almost a year after former Gov. Ben Cayetano approved new rules for public saltwater pools, the administration of Mayor Jeremy Harris has yet to come up with plans for the future of the Waikiki War Memorial Natatorium.
Honolulu Advertiser
July 13, 2002: Rules may hinder pool rebuilding
The restoration efforts for the Natatorium now have to provide for an electrical pump - Gov. Ben Cayetano has signed saltwater pool rules that likely will make it more difficult for the city to restore the pool portion of the Waikiki War Memorial Natatorium.
Honolulu Star-Bulletin
April 26, 2002: Group calls Natatorium health rules inadequate
Advisory committee members say their views were ignored - Local science and health experts say the state Health Department's draft rules for saltwater pools such as the controversial Waikiki War Memorial Natatorium are inadequate.
Honolulu Star-Bulletin
April 7, 2002: Obeying law paramount in pursuit of the news
When is it acceptable for a journalist to break the law to get a photograph or a story? ... Last week, photographer Jeff Widener took a shot of swimmers who staged a sprint in the pool at the Waikiki Natatorium to protest the city's failure to open the facility.
Honolulu Advertiser
November 7, 1999: Pockmark on Paradise's Landscape
It juts into the ocean at the eastern end of Waikiki Beach like some ghostly barge, its concrete arches crumbling, its curving windows broken, its 100-meter saltwater swimming pool stagnant and its 2,500 bleacher seats empty and forlorn. For 20 years, the War Memorial Natatorium has been a shuttered scar on this famous stretch of shoreline, a victim of municipal neglect and political deadlock.
The New York Times
August 5, 1999: Natatorium restoration clears court hurdle
A state judge yesterday cleared the way for renovation to begin next week on the land work associated with the restoration of the Waikiki War Memorial Natatorium.
Honolulu Advertiser
July 28, 1999: Harris wants pool restored
Honolulu Mayor Jeremy Harris testified in state court yesterday that his goal is to restore the Waikiki War Memorial Natatorium saltwater pool even though he has ordered work on the pool canceled. Early this month, Harris said he was canceling the part of the contract relating to the pool while moving forward with the renovation of the memorial arch, facade and rest-rooms.
Honolulu Advertiser
July 28, 1999: Mayor wants natatorium project done, ALL of it
"My goal is to build the whole project," the mayor said in Circuit Court yesterday. "I can't build the whole project now because of this lawsuit."
Honolulu Star-Bulletin
July 24, 1999: Harris to testify for Natatorium
Judge rules mayor must answer questions - Mayor Jeremy Harris will take the stand in state court next week to answer questions about his plans to restore the Waikiki War Memorial Natatorium. Circuit Judge Gary W.B. Chang yesterday ordered Harris to testify, granting a request by the Kaimana Beach Coalition, a group that opposes Harris' restoration plans. City attorneys had fought the effort to have Harris testify...
Honolulu Advertiser
July 21, 1999: Natatorium foes subpoena officials
Mayor Jeremy Harris and seven member of ths Honolulu City Council have been subpoenaed by opponents of the Waikiki Natatorium restoration plan.
Honolulu Advertiser
July 7, 1999: Mayor backstrokes on pool
Mayor Jeremy Harris and the City Council backed away from the full reconstruction of the saltwater pool at the Waikiki War Memorial Natatorium yesterday, and now hope to press forward with restoration of the arch, facade and restrooms. Harris and Councilmen Duke Bainum and Andy Mirikitani announced that they have agreed to hold off rebuilding the pool. Council Chairman Jon Yoshimura and members John DeSoto and Rene Mansho have announced their opposition to total renovation.
Honolulu Advertiser
July 6, 1999: Tidal Change
Following a June 21 ruling by Circuit Judge Gail Nakatani defining the Waikiki War Memorial and Natatorium as a swimming pool, the City & County of Honolulu has called a temporary halt to its renovation. Meanwhile, public opinion may be shifting against the ambitious plans of Mayor Jeremy Harris, Friends of the Natatorium and commercial interests.
Honolulu Weekly
July 2, 1999: Council support for Natatorium weakening
Support on the Honolulu City Council for full restoration of the Waikiki War Memorial Natatorium appears to be ebbing, especially after a judge yesterday blocked the start of the project. Council members were torn over the issue when they voted 6-3 last December to restore the Natatorium despite concerns by some critics that the facility's saltwater pool could pose a health hazard.
Honolulu Advertiser
July 1, 1999: Judge blocks work on Natatorium
A 10-day restraining order blocking work at the Waikiki War Memorial and Natatorium was imposed on the city by Circuit Judge Gail Nakatani today.
Honolulu Star-Bulletin
June 29, 1999: Petition opposes plan for pool
Natatorium fix debated - Honolulu City Council member Donna Mercado Kim said more than 2,000 people signed a petition over the weekend urging the city to revoke or modify a permit for the controversial restoration of the Waikiki War Memorial Natatorium. Kim and a handful of staff members collected signatures Saturday and Sunday at Ala Moana Shopping Center, Kapolei, Manoa Marketplace and 99 Ranch Market in Mapunapuna.
Honolulu Advertiser
June 25, 1999: New suit filed to halt Natatorium restoration
A group opposing the proposed restoration of the Waikiki War Memorial Natatorium returned to court yesterday to challenge Mayor Jeremy Harris' decision this week to proceed with construction that doesn't involve the facility's saltwater pool. The Kaimana Beach Coalition filed a new lawsuit citing Circuit Judge Gail Nakatani's decision Monday that the pool is under the Department of Health's jurisdiction...
Honolulu Advertiser
June 24, 1999: Harris pledges work at Natatorium to go on
Pool restoration to await new rules - Despite growing opposition to renovation of the Waikiki Natatorium, Mayor Jeremy Harris said yesterday that work on the facade, bleachers and restrooms would proceed, but he would await state Health Department rules for salt-water pools before deciding if the swimming area would be restored. No part of the restoration will be done, however, if enough members of the Honolulu City Council agree to revoke...
Honolulu Advertiser
June 23, 1999: "Yes, Mr. Mayor, it is a swimming pool"
Honolulu Advertiser (Editorial)
June 22, 1999: City pushes ahead on Natatorium plan
Mayor Jeremy Harris says construction will begin as scheduled this month on the restoration of the Waikiki War Memorial and Natatorium, despite a judge's decision that could prevent the pool from reopening.
Honolulu Star-Bulletin
June 22, 1999: Ruling jeopardizes Natatorium plans
A state judge delivered a potentially crippling blow yesterday to the city's plan to renovate the Waikiki War Memorial Natatorium by declaring that the facility falls under regulations governing swimming pools and must obtain a state permit. City and state lawyers had argued that the regulations covering freshwater pools were never intended to cover the Natatorium, which is designed to allow ocean water to flow through its pool.
Honolulu Advertiser
June 19, 1999: Judge to decide Natatorium's fate
Defining it as a pool may jeopardize the restoration due to health standards - is it a pool or isn't it? The fate of the city's $11.5 million restoration of the Waikiki War Memorial and Natatorium may rest on Circuit Judge Gail Nakatani's response to the question. Nakatani said she will rule Monday.
Honolulu Star-Bulletin
June 18, 1999: Honolulu Lite: Drain the Natatorium idea now
Let's stop this Natatorium foolishness before this albatross permanently affixes itself around our tax-paying necks. A saltwater pool is a concept whose time has come and gone. Back in the days before environmental impact studies and when our basic understanding of bacteria and microbes was in its infancy, having a saltwater pool on the ocean's edge was a grand idea.
Honolulu Star-Bulletin
December 8, 1997: Honolulu Lite: Get the pool off the beach, brah!
Isn't it kind of silly to have a concrete swimming pool sitting in the ocean at the most famous beach in the world? This is something like building an indoor ice skating rink on the frozen surface of the world's most popular ice-skating pond. Or building an indoor manmade-snow skiing stadium on the snow-covered slopes of an Olympic ski village.
Honolulu Star-Bulletin
August 20, 1997: Murky Memorial
The people of Honolulu deserve a special place, free of commercialization and hype. An oasis of peace and tranquility now exists at Kaimana Beach. Do we really want to jeopardize this special place for yet another tourist destination?
Honolulu Weekly


	Copyright © 2008 Kaimana Beach Coalition. Fair Use Notice: This site contains copyrighted material the use of which has not always been specifically authorized by the copyright owner. We are making such material available in our efforts to advance understanding of environmental, political, human rights, economic, democracy, scientific, and social justice issues, etc. We believe this constitutes a 'fair use' of any such copyrighted material as provided for in section 107 of the US Copyright Law. In accordance with Title 17 U.S.C. Section 107, the material on this site is distributed without profit to those who have expressed a prior interest in receiving the included information for research and educational purposes. For more information go to: http://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/17/107.shtml. If you wish to use copyrighted material from this site for purposes of your own that go beyond 'fair use', you must obtain permission from the copyright owner.