CHAIR TOMMY WATERS ISSUES STATEMENT ON RESO 23-207 RELATING TO SEA LEVEL RISE AND THE WAIKĪKĪ DISTRICT
HONOLULU, HAWAIʻI - The Executive Management Committee heard Resolution 23-207 on Wednesday, October 18, 2023 at 3:30 pm in the Honolulu City Council Chambers. Council Chair Tommy Waters introduced the Resolution pertaining to the amendment of Chapter 21, Revised Ordinances of Honolulu 2021, specifically regarding the Waikīkī Special District. The proposed amendment arises from concerns about the potential impacts of sea level rise (SLR) on the Waikīkī area, especially on its hotels located along the shoreline.
The overarching purpose of the proposed amendment is to implement regulatory measures that ensure the structural integrity and safety of shoreline hotels in the Waikīkī Special District, considering the acknowledged threat of SLR and its potential impacts. This initiative, if adopted later in bill form, would require hotels located on a shoreline lot to have a structural inspection performed within three years of the bill’s adoption, then every four years thereafter. This proposed legislation seeks to proactively manage risks related to coastal erosion and flooding, ensuring both public and private entities are prepared and have adaptive strategies in place to manage SLR’s incremental effects. The structural inspections aim to safeguard visitors, residents, and workers in Waikīkī from potential SLR threats while identifying and describing any items requiring further inspection.
Chair Waters has issued the following statement on Resolution 23-207:
“We need these hotel owners to come to the table and have a conversation regarding the threat sea level rise poses to Waikīkī. Sea level rise isn’t a distant threat - it’s happening now, and we must take tangible steps to ensure that potentially impacted areas like Waikīkī remain safe and thriving. I urge stakeholders to recognize the magnitude of this challenge and join us in formulating and executing sustainable solutions. This resolution aims to start the conversation in creating action plans to protect our communities and vital environmental and economic resources from sea level rise.”
Like all proposed Land Use Ordinance amendments, Resolution 23-207 allows the opportunity for the Department of Planning and Permitting and the Planning Commission to provide recommendations. Following these recommendations, the bill may be formally introduced to the City Council for review and potential approval.
Waters represents City Council District 4, which includes Hawai‘i Kai, Kuli‘ou‘ou, Niu Valley, ‘Āina Haina, Wailupe, Wai‘alae Iki, Kalani Valley, Kāhala, Wilhelmina Rise, Kaimukī, Kapahulu, Diamond Head, and Waikīkī.
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