A contractor will be shoring up a protective stone structure extending into the ocean at the Royal Hawaiian in Waikiki starting Tuesday.

State officials said the work, expected to take three days, is to lessen the possibility of portions of the groin failing and causing sand to move westward down the shoreline.

The structure, built in 1926 and lengthened in 1930, is used to stabilize the sandy beach fronting the resort.

HTM Contractors Inc. received a $51,500 contract to shore up the groin with heavy duty geotextile sandbags.

State land board chairperson William Aila said the temporary repairs are being made until his department receives funds to either repair or enhance the structure. 

Officials said public access will be limited in and around the construction zone while work is occurring but lateral access will not be impeded along the shoreline.