That Doris Duke Cromwell’s request to the territorial harbor commission for permission to build a seawall on the beach in front of her Kaalawai property probably will be granted was indicated in discussion that marked a meeting of the board in the territorial office building late Tuesday afternoon.
Louis S. Cain, chairman, voice the only opposition, taking the position that the board would establish a dangerous precedent in granting the request and arguing that such grants would interfere with public acquisition of the entire beach around Oahu sometime in the future.
The decision, however, was postponed until next Tuesday’s commission meeting, which will be preceded earlier the same day by an inspection of the Kaalawai site by commission members.
The meeting was further marked by a decision to call for bids for deepening and straightening the entrance to Kewalo basin in the event Governor Joseph Poindexter reports on his arrival from Washington that federal aid cannot be obtained.
An appropriation of $50,000 out of general territorial revenue has already been set aside for the project. …
Earl Thacker and Fred Patterson of the harbor commission were both outspoken for granting Mrs. Cromwell’s request. Plans she has submitted, they said, will not interfere with the right of the public to pass her property on the beach side. A foot walk on the surface of the seawall, which would border a swimming pool, is planned.
G.J. Waller said he wishes to accommodate Mrs. Cromwell but, aware of his responsibilities as a harbor commissioner, wanted another week to study the request. He supported Mr. Cain’s request for a week’s continuance before deciding. …
Mrs. Cromwell was represented at the meeting by M.B. Henshaw, attorney, and William D. Cross of the Bishop Trust Co., Ltd. They told board members that the proposed construction would improve the beach from the public standpoint.
Backed by a ruling of Attorney General William B. Pittman that they are within their rights in keeping dogs off Waikiki beach, the commissioners are prepared to carry out their recent decision to impound any dogs found there.
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Every Sunday, “Back in the Day” looks at an article that ran on this date in the Honolulu Star-Bulletin. The items are verbatim, so don’t blame us today for yesteryear’s bad grammar.
