November 11, 2019

Aloha,

Just in time for Veteran’s Day, the City and County of Honolulu has issued the final Environmental Impact Statement for the rehabilitation of the historic War Memorial Natatorium.

The City’s proposed action is to retain the physical structure of the memorial with a new sea wall and perimeter deck, while maintaining the historic integrity of this iconic structure that has been part of Waikīkī for over 90 years.

The Waikīkī War Memorial Natatorium opened in 1927 as a “living memorial” to those who served in World War I from Hawai‘i.  The structure is significant for its long history as a swimming venue and its association with legendary watermen Duke Kahanamoku, Buster Crabbe and Jonny Weismuller. It is listed on the National and Hawai‘i State Registers of Historic Places for both its historic and architectural significance. It has been closed to the public since 1979.

Historic Hawai‘i Foundation strongly supports the Proposed Action, called the “Perimeter Deck” alternative. The plan addresses the need to improve safety, restore public access, limit environmental effects, honor the legacy of veterans and the history of World War One, and comply with historic preservation standards. The alternative addressed concerns for functionality, water quality and cost.

On this anniversary of the end of World War One, our community has the opportunity once again to honor those who served by committing to restoring this living memorial. We thank all who have persevered and acted with integrity, honor and dignity throughout this 40-year preservation endeavor.

With warm aloha,

Kiersten Faulkner
Executive Director
Historic Hawaii Foundation
“Places preserve our memory — not only our individual personal memories, but more broadly our national, historic, and cultural memory.  The memories preserved here — of those who paid the ultimate price and made the ultimate sacrifice — are priceless.  May we never forget them, and may we never forget what they did. 

Because what they did made us, as a nation, who we are today.  Preservation is the key tool for that remembrance, both for us today and for our children tomorrow.”
– David Brown, retired Chief Preservation Officer,
National Trust for Historic Preservation

 

In 2014, the National Trust for Historic Preservation designated the Natatorium as a National Treasure, acknowledging its “layers of significance as a living memorial, hub of water recreation, and architectural treasure.”