Waikiki’s New Groin
Here’s a question for you: What’s one of Waikiki Beach’s biggest problems? It’s not topless sunbathing. It’s not sharks. It’s not even the void left behind with the passing of Don Ho.Erosion of Waikiki Beach is one of the biggest problems facing the No. 1 tourist destination in the islands, such a problem that there’s no beach at the Sheraton except during times of extremely low tide. But the Sheraton Waikiki has a plan.
The Sheraton Waikiki will proceed with plans to restore a stretch of beach fronting its property and install groins in the water to inhibit erosion. The plan calls for installing three T-shaped, 160-foot-long groins in the water and pumping in sand to Gray’s Beach, which fronts the Sheraton Waikiki. Other beachfront properties, tourism experts, and environmental and land use planners are no doubt eager to see what happens, as the plan may be put to use by other areas facing the same problem.
There is also some opposition from surfers and locals who worry that the rock groins will pose environmental threats and and damage what has been a popular surf break.
Work could begin as soon as 2010, but before then, a number of state and federal permits are necessary.
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