The Waikiki Natatorium has been a subject of controversy for several years as the debate continues on whether to renovate it or tear it down.
A construction crew started working on the structure on Monday, and city officials made it clear that it has nothing to do with the ongoing debate.
The contractor brought in the heavy equipment needed to battle what’s been the continuing deterioration of the seawall at the Waikiki Natatorium. It’s been determined that cracks all along the concrete wall could be dangerous.
"So what we’re doing is we are trying to mitigate that problem and going to chip that concrete off so that it doesn’t fall on swimmers who might come too close to the Natatorium structure," said Collins Lam of the City Department of Design.
The city emphasizes that this is not a restoration project, not even a repair. It’s strictly to remove a potentially hazardous situation, which of course could lead to a lawsuit.
"We won’t be doing any replacement, we’re just trying to take away any health and safety hazards," Lam says.
The Waikiki Natatorium was built more than 80 years ago as a tribute to Hawaii soldiers who died in World War i. In recent years, it’s been left in disrepair, especially the outdoor pool confined by the deteriorating seawall. Some say it should be restored, and others say otherwise.
"Take it down and let them play beach volleyball with the existing grandstand," said George Lee of Palolo.
This project is staying away from that controversy. Work crews will break off loose concrete using hand tools. If necessary, use wooden rafts filled with styrofoam to chip away and catch the pieces that fall off. Work is expected to take five days, if the surf cooperates.
See the original article at: KHON2 Local News
