Restoring Natatorium
fully could go
down the drain

By Gordon Y.K. Pang
and Gregg K. Kakesako
Star-Bulletin

A resolution urging Mayor Jeremy Harris to abandon plans to restore the swimming pool portion of the Waikiki War Memorial and Natatorium has been introduced by two City Council members.

The resolution was circulated yesterday almost immediately after Circuit Judge Gail Nakatani issued a 10-day temporary restraining order halting start of work on the historic site.

Council members Donna Mercado Kim and Mufi Hannemann, who oppose full restoration, introduced the resolution.

It calls for Harris and the Department of Design and Construction to modify a special management area use permit to allow only for restoration of the natatorium's memorial arch, bathrooms and some bleachers.

Kim told reporters that Harris, as applicant of the permit, can voluntarily modify the permit. To apply for a modification, she said, is the "responsible" thing for the mayor to do.

Council Chairman Jon Yoshimura, who also opposes full restoration, said the resolution isn't necessary because he feels he can get the Council, and the mayor, to change their position without it.

Nakatani granted the order to the Kaimana Beach Coalition stating the city needs to obtain all construction-related permits before starting work.

The city still needs a water certification permit from the state Health Department and an underwater construction permit from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.

The restraining order against the city is good until July 10. On July 9, Nakatani will hear arguments on a preliminary injunction that would halt construction until the end of the trial to determine whether the project should stopped.

Carol Costa, spokeswoman for the mayor, said that if the Council is working on a new plan, Harris knows nothing about it.

"The mayor is committed to full restoration of this project," Costa said. Those opposed to full restoration, however, got a powerful supporter yesterday.

Gov. Ben Cayetano said a compromise has to be worked out at the natatorium following Nakatani's decision to grant a temporary restraining order.

If the city is going to insist that a pool will continue to be a part of the memorial, then it has to be a freshwater pool, Cayetano told reporters. The governor said previously he supported restoring the saltwater pool.