Residents along Ke Nui Road in Oʻahu's North Shore are facing an increasingly serious situation as erosion threatens their homes and safety. According to information released by the Department of Land and Natural Resources and the City and County of Honolulu Department of Planning and Permitting, the coastal dune beneath some residences is being severely undermined, resulting in a partial home collapse that is currently being demolished, with another scheduled for demolition soon. The agencies are urgently working to inform the community about the risks associated with the erosion.
The Department of Land and Natural Resources is concerned about the unpredictable erosion, which has caused material from sandbag seawalls and other temporary measures to scatter across the beach. Steps are being taken to protect the public from these hazards and preserve the natural and cultural resources, with Department of Land and Natural Resources Chair Dawn Chang stating, "While the circumstances are unfortunate, debris on the public beach or falling into the ocean endangering the community and marine life is unacceptable and we will take all appropriate action to protect the public and our natural and cultural resources," as per the Department of Land and Natural Resources website.
As a further safeguard, signs have been posted along Ke Nui Road declaring the beach closed to the public. Both local community members and visitors are strongly encouraged to stay clear of the area, due to safety concerns manifested by the ongoing erosion and instability.
"Understanding the gravity of the situation for beachfront property owners along this stretch, we urge them to heed this warning, for their own benefit and the safety of the community," said Department of Planning and Permitting Director Dawn Takeuchi Apuna. Both the Department of Land and Natural Resources and the Department of Planning and Permitting are urging landowners to take necessary precautions to prevent further property damage, impacts on adjacent lands, and restrictions on public beach access. The agencies have made it clear that failure to do so could result in administrative or legal action to safeguard public interests.
