By Dean Sensui, Star-Bulletin
The Waikiki War Memorial Natatorium was built to commemorate
World War I veterans and dead. It has fallen into decay in recent years,
with factions of the community debating demolition or restoration.
City says $11.5 million
will restore natatorium
Council has approved funds
By Gordon Y.K. Pang
for the rennovation of the memorial
Star-BulletinMayor Jeremy Harris and City Council members say $11.5 million will restore the Waikiki War Memorial Natatorium to its original glory. But state Deputy Health Director Bruce Anderson says he's more worried about the pool's bacterial levels and water clarity.
The natatorium has been shut down since 1979 because of water quality.
Even though the Council approved renovation money Wednesday, debate continues over whether improvements should be done.
Harris and Council members Duke Bainum and John Henry Felix say the improvements are needed to restore the 70-year-old monument dedicated to those who served and died in World War I.
They say the natatorium has the potential to become a premier saltwater venue for international water sports.
Banker John D. Nielsen said he runs an annual water polo tournament that features 600 people from around the world. He'd like to hold the tournament at the natatorium in 1998.
By Dean Sensui, Star-Bulletin
Huge cracks and outright holes riddle the structure, which
has been closed to the public for years as a safety hazard.
The nonprofit Friends of the Natatorium will have to come up with the projected $300,000 to $400,000 in annual operating costs.Friends President Lin Pang, who's worked 11 years to get the natatorium back on line, said the group may have to charge admission to cover costs. Harris said a concession booth in front of the natatorium also would bring in revenue as would special events such as a water ballet.
Harris, who has a degree in marine biology, said plans call for grids to open on the Ewa and Diamond Head sides of the pool to provide better water circulation. "The water in the pool will be completely changed 10 times a day."
Anderson said rules require that an 8-inch disk be visible at the bottom of the pool for safety reasons.
"You must be able to retrieve someone if he's at the bottom of the pool," Anderson said.
He added that he'll likely be willing to grant the city a variance but "they're going to have to work out some arrangement that they are willing to take on the increased risk (of liability)."
Either that, he said or "we have to change the rules."
Anderson said he also is worried about the bacteria that tends to cling to slow-circulating salt water. Anderson recalled that he sustained staph infections in his ear and skin from swimming in the natatorium as a youth.
Rick Bernstein, who's just started the Kaimana Beach Coalition, supports tearing down most of the facility.
He said the city project "represents the commercialization of Kapiolani Park" that would lead to more parking headaches for residents trying to get to the beach.
