The Marine Corps decision this week to close off public beach access at Bellows Air Force Station, raising community ire, underscores the need for building better bridges on both ends — and for all stakeholders to be part of the solution.

Col. Robert Rice, commander of Marine Corps Base Hawaiçi, said he would immediately close off weekend public beach access for the month of June, citing recent infractions including drug and alcohol use, fights, off-roading on the beach and vehicle break-ins.
Given the last-minute announcement — camping permits have already been issued for the first two weeks in June — this seems a hasty and heavy-handed approach.
Military leaders should reconsider that decision and continue to work with the city and the community on improving conditions at Bellows. Since permits are issued two weeks in advance, a simple two-week notice would not only prevent the chaos of how to handle those with permits, but also allow time to inform community leaders and beachgoers.
Predictably, the announcement was not well received by community leaders, who view it a rash approach to push local residents out; they fear more permanent restrictions are on the horizon. Community members plan to protest this weekend outside the gates of the military installation.
Waimänalo Neighborhood Board Chairman Wilson Ho says the infractions the Marines cite occurred over the Memorial Day weekend and involve less than 1 percent of beachgoers, and though the Marines send a representative to the Neighborhood Board meetings, this was the first the board had heard about any increase in problems at Bellows.
There must be a better way for both sides to effectively communicate and work together on a sensible solution.
There are some positive signs. The City and the Marine Corps have outlined steps to improve conditions. That includes installing signs that clearly outline the rules and manning the front gate to prevent people from hauling in debris or all-terrain vehicles.
That’s all good. The Neighborhood Board and community leaders, too, have a role to play in encouraging residents and beachgoers to do their part to be responsible stewards, and to report crime or any misuse of the area.
For now, the Marine Corps should reconsider its decision or at minimum, delay the temporary closure to allow the issued permitholders access.
It will take all stakeholders — the city, the military, community leaders, and residents and beachgoers — working together to ensure the area is well kept for future generations. That’s a solution where everybody wins.