Mayor Mufi Hannemann today announced that he has accepted a task force recommendation to preserve the Waikiki War Memorial Natatorium arches but demolish the rest of the facility, including the salt-water pool and bleachers.

The recommendation was forwarded by a 17-member task force, convened earlier this year, that was tasked with coming up with a solution that would end the decades-long debate over what to do with the crumbling memorial to local World War I veterans.
The task force had also considered "no build" and "full restoration" proposals but voted 9-3 in favor of demolition.
Hannemann said public safety, funding and the opportunity to expand publicly accessible beach areas were key considerations in his decision to move ahead with the recommendation.
"It always difficult when dealing with an emotional issue and this has been an emotional issue for a long time," Hannemann said. "The challenges were ensuring health and safety as well as coming up with funding. This is a very good compromise."
Under the proposed plan, the swimming pool and bleachers will be demolished and the historic archway moved inland.
Collins Lam, deputy director of the city Department of Design and Construction, said that an environmental impact study would need to be completed before the plan could proceed.
Hannemann said that funding sources would also have to be identified to cover the estimated $15 million necessary to complete the project, which is not expected to be
Under the proposed renovation plan, a pair of parallel groins would be constructed at the ends of the newly accessible two acres of public beach.
finished until 2017.
The Natatorium was constructed in 1927 to honor 101 Hawai'i residents who died in World War I. It has been closed since 1979 due to safety concerns.