Wawamalu Shoreline and Dune Protection

Illegal off-roading and dumping has been an on-going issue at Wāwāmalu Beach for years. Because sits between Alan-Davis Beach — which is the state’s property — and Sandy Beach Park — which is the city’s property, so jurisdiction over Wawamalu is often hard to determine. But after 18 months of political groundwork by Sierra Club member Reese Liggett at the Hawaii Kai Neighborhood Board, Parks and Rec., the Mayor and City Council--there seems to be movement for improvements at the depredated beach in East Honolulu.

This beach is a recognized Hawaiian Monk seal birthing ground and is home to native plant species in the area, near the states historic Kaiwi Scenic Shoreline.  The Hawaii Kai Neighborhood Board passed its Resolution 19-02 in October 2019 requesting the City install barriers to protect the areas wildlife and natural features.  Currently, Councilmember Tommy Waters is urging the City Council to put $900,000 in their ’20-’21 budget for expenditures to “plan, design, construct, and inspect barriers at Wawamalu Beach Park”. 

Hopefully, we can see this area and its precious features protected with barriers soon!