Photo courtesy of National Trust for Historic Preservation
Opened in 1927, the Waikiki War Memorial Natatorium was built to honor the men and women of Hawaii who served during the “Great War.” Learn more about this historic place and the worldwide community supporting its restoration below.
Historic Hawaii Foundation’s Position
- HHF supports the stabilization, preservation and rehabilitation of the Waikīkī War Memorial Natatorium.
- HHF recommends that the immediate strengthening, repair and stabilization of the structure’s frame be completed per the plans that were halted in 2005, including the sea walls and deck.
- HHF recommends, in conjunction with resuming the work to stabilize the structure, that engineering, planning and permitting be undertaken for the redesign of the pool.
- HHF recommends that the City engage in dialogue with state and federal agencies, non-profit organizations, business organizations and other stakeholders to craft a public-private partnership for the long-term rehabilitation, maintenance and operation of the facility.
UPDATE: 2016
On Veterans’ Day 2016, the National Trust for Historic Preservation unveiled its proposal for revitalizing the Waikiki War Memorial Natatorium—one of the most unique structures in the country commemorating those who served and gave their lives in World War I. The rehabilitation concept, designed by Hawaii’s globally-renowned engineer Dr. Hans Krock, is a simple, innovative and long-term solution that would ensure a clean and safe swim basin for the endangered memorial.
View The Rehabilitation Concept Here
Other Sites of Interest:
UPDATE: 2014
7/9/14: The City & County of Honolulu will host a stakeholders scoping meeting for the Environmental Impact Statement for the Waikīkī War Memorial on July 21, 6:30 p.m. at Kaimukī High School.
Download the Meeting Announcement
5/13/14: The City & County of Honolulu has announced its intention to conduct an Environmental Impact Study (EIS) for potential changes to the Waikīkī War Memorial Natatorium and adjacent areas. The study will evaluation at least three alternatives: no action; reconstruction and restoration of the Natatorium; and demolition of the war memorial with construction of a new beach and memorial arch. The description of the study and conceptual drawings of the alternatives to be evaluated are attached.
The City has engaged planning consultant WCP Inc. to conduct the evaluation of alternatives and prepare the EIS. They anticipate publishing the preparation notice for the EIS in summer 2014 and the making the subsequent Draft EIS available for public review in spring 2015.
To learn more about the history of the War Memorial and previous efforts to use, restore, demolish, and/or rehabilitate the Natatorium, see https://historichawaii.org/waikiki-war-memorial-natatorium-background/
Historic Hawai‘i Foundation’s position on the preferred alternative for the War Memorial is:
- HHF supports the stabilization, preservation and rehabilitation of the Waikīkī War Memorial Natatorium.
- HHF recommends that the immediate strengthening, repair and stabilization of the structure’s frame be completed per the plans that were halted in 2005, including the sea walls and deck.
- HHF recommends, in conjunction with resuming the work to stabilize the structure, that engineering, planning and permitting be undertaken for the redesign of the pool.
- HHF recommends that the City engage in dialogue with state and federal agencies, non-profit organizations, business organizations and other stakeholders to craft a public-private partnership for the long-term rehabilitation, maintenance and operation of the facility.
Comments on specific issues or concerns you feel should be addressed in the EIS may be sent to: WCP Inc., 99-061 Koaha Way, Ste. 208, ‘Aiea, HI 96701.
UPDATE: 2013 – THE NATATORIUM NEEDS YOUR SUPPORT
The State of Hawaii and local officials announced recently that they are analyzing a plan to tear down the Waikiki War Memorial Natatorium and create a new beach. This plan is expected to take at least a year to analyze.
View the proposed plan as of April 30, 2013.
Read the Honolulu Star-Advertiser article about the Natatorium on May 26, 2013.
View slideshow of HHF’s preferred alternative.
Other Sites of Interest:
