Put substation for lifeguards in Kakaako

A lifeguard substation planned for a facility to be built next to the Waikiki Aquarium would replace the one now housed under bleachers at the nearby War Memorial Natatorium, the future of which is undecided. But opponents are justified in their cries about losing precious open park space, and the city should pursue relocation of the substation to Kakaako’s waterfront.

Previous administrations had neglected to fully consider the historical protection of Kapiolani Park; the current one seems more mindful.

Plans to build an Ocean Safety and Lifeguard Services Division substation next to the aquarium were begun during former Mayor Mufi Hannemann’s administration. The city under Mayor Peter Carlisle went forward with an assessment of the plan’s cultural ramifications, in case the replacement substation would be needed.

Opposition was made a year ago by the Kapiolani Park Preservation Society’s president, Alethea Rebman, who said, "The park is for park use. We can’t let oceanfront land be taken for an administration building."

The park’s Preservation Society has unique credentials in addressing issues on park use. Unlike other parks, Kapiolani Park was created in 1896 as a public charitable trust on land provided by King Kalakaua to honor his wife, Queen Kapiolani. City Council members were to serve as park trustees and, in 1988, the state Supreme Court gave the society a watchdog role over park management in successfully blocking park land to be leased for a Burger King.

A spokeswoman for Carlisle had said his administration understood that the proposed site for the lifeguard substation is not on trust land. Rebman, a Honolulu lawyer, disagreed, asserting that the park boundaries that existed in 1896 remain in force — a formidable obstacle against development along the Gold Coast of Waikiki.

Mayor Kirk Caldwell now says he may change the plan and instead build the 1,800-square-foot Ocean Safety Substation, with adjacent parking and maintenance lot, in Kaka-ako. City officials say they will evaluate where a new building could be built and whether it should be used mainly for administrative purposes.

A spokesman said Caldwell is considering a proposal to house ocean safety in Kakaako Makai, where one site has a boat ramp. The city doesn’t own that land, however, so an agreement with the state and landowner is encouraged for what sounds like an optimal site.

The Preservation Society’s activity has been important since it was formed in 1986 and given a level of authority by the high court. Prior to that, some parts of the park were built upon to satisfy city and state needs, despite trust violations, said Jack Gilmar, an emeritus member of the society’s board.

Caldwell has recognized community opposition to construction of the lifeguard substation next to the aquarium and the society’s important role in what should be allowed along Waikiki’s waterfront area.

Keeping the open park space as unobstructed as possible is worthwhile, especially since there exists a viable option for the substation to go forward in Kakaako.