Work started Monday on the removal of a hollow, concrete tile wall at Kailua Beach due to concerns by the city that exposed, rusted rebar could pose a hazard to beachgoers.
"I don’t want kids to play on it and get cut up," said Gary Cabato, director of the Department of Parks and Recreation.
Workers removed a truckload of tiles from the site Monday, the first day of the project. Cabato said workers plan to complete the removal by Friday.
Exposed rebar and loose tiles on the southern part of Kailua Beach Park prompted the department to remove the wall, which stretches 60 yards near the boat ramp. Work is being done in-house.
Workers also will patch up a large, rectangular hole on the ramp, which is closed to the public. Cabato said the ramp is expected to reopen Friday.
Kailua resident Dan Patterson, who frequents the beach, said he saw kids jumping up and down on the hollow-tile wall during the Fourth of July weekend.
"It’s a definitely a safety hazard," he said. "It’s good they’re getting rid of them."
Chuck Prentiss, chairman of the Kailua Neighborhood Board, agreed that the sharp rebar protruding from the sand is a hazard.
"I’m glad the city is taking some action to do something about it," he said.
Some area residents said they have never seen the wall so uncovered, the result of severe sand erosion.
"This is the most I’ve seen it exposed," said Patterson, a 24-year Kailua resident who often relaxes at the spot after his daily swim to Popoia, commonly known as Flat Island.
Cousins Anny Moniz and Kailani Lemn said they are glad the city is removing the wall because it’s ugly.
"It’s an eyesore," said Moniz, of Kaneohe. Lemn said the wall also poses a liability for the city should someone get hurt on the rebar.
Many said it no longer serves its purpose: to prevent erosion.
The city built the wall in the 1970s, but tidal changes over the years caused erosion anyway.
"Now it’s completely exposed," Cabato said. Moss now covers parts of the hollow tiles, producing a slippery surface. The rebar is rusted and breaking apart.
"That’s why I have to do it now," he added.
Officials will return to the site in four weeks, when the lowest tide cycle returns, to look for any additional sand grabbers that need to be removed. If the site is clear of tiles and rebar, sand replenishment work will begin.
Officials said a mound of sand from Kaelepulu Stream will be moved to the area. Sand replenishment work to the southern part of Kailua Beach was last done at least a decade ago.
Hawaii News Now video: Sand barrier removal under way at Kailua Beach
