The future of the Waikiki Natatorium has been in limbo for nearly a half century.
Now the city is planning to give full control of its future back to the state.
It’s being called the political "hot potato".
Previous administrations have made plans to demolish it, now there are plans to preserve it.
The Natatorium dedicated to the 10,000 people from Hawaii who served in World War I.
But for more than 40 years, the Natatorium has also been a symbol of changes in political tides.
“It’s disgraceful to let it continue this way,” said Governor Neil Abercrombie.
That’s why Mayor Peter Carlisle is hoping to give authority of the Natatorium back to the state so the state can determine its future.
“It’s a state facility that we were operating, so now if the state wants to take it back for another purpose, that’s the states prerogative,” said Honolulu Mayor Peter Carlisle.
During these discussions, the city decided to put a halt to the ongoing Environmental Impact Statement, just a few months away from its completion
“It would end up costing us 1.3 million dollars. Why would you do that at this point if you don’t know if it’s necessary or not,” said Carlisle.
Some criticize the city for potentially throwing away $750,000 on an incomplete EIS.
Others point to the $4.5 million that have already been spent on renovations to the natatoriums facilities.
“Does everybody already talked about the Natatorium? Yes. Is there obvious opposing opinions about it? Yes. So what’s new?” said Carlisle.
How exactly the city and state plan to do that and what the timeline is remain unclear.
But it is something that they Mayor and Governor both said should transcend administrations.
The governor has expressed interest to preserve the memorial and install volleyball courts.
It is likely a new EIS and public input will be required before any changes can be made.
See the original article at: KHON2 Local News
