The Waikiki War Memorial Natatorium was built as a monument to Hawaii’s World War I veterans almost 86 years ago. The facility’s ocean-water swimming pool was closed in 1979 due to disrepair. A recent study by the city’s Department of Design and Construction estimated that it would cost approximately $69.4 million to fully restore the facility, a cost that city officials felt was much too high to undertake. Governor Neil Abercrombie and Honolulu Mayor Kirk Caldwell have stated that they would support a plan to tear down the Natatorium and create a new public beach in its place. Under the proposal, the facade would be moved 50 feet inland and would be completely restored. The total cost of the project would be approximately $18.4 million. It is still unclear where that money would come from. Once funding had been secured, the city plans to start demolition and construction by 2015 after an environmental impact had been completed.
Caldwell stated, “This is about honoring them (World War I veterans) and not dishonoring them with a crumbling facility that no one can use and is really an eyesore for everyone who stands anywhere in Waikiki and looks Diamond Head.” Abercrombie added, “The plan that the mayor has come forward now with is the only practical way that we can honor the memorial’s purpose.”
Source: Honolulu Star Advertiser, 5-1-2013, www.staradvertiser.com
Posted by Jeff Uyemura-Reyes, Broker-in-Charge, Realtor®
Global Executive Realty, LLC
www.myhawaiihomesearch.com
www.myhawaiicondo.com
www.myhawaiidreamhome.com
Posted by Jeff Uyemura-Reyes, Broker-in-Charge, Realtor®
Global Executive Realty, LLC
www.myhawaiihomesearch.com
www.myhawaiicondo.com
www.myhawaiidreamhome.com
