On the eve of Veteran’s Day 2019, the City and County of Honolulu published a Final Environmental Impact Statement which proposes to renew the Natatorium and restore public access to the site. The extensive record reflects a year’s worth of the City’s thorough consideration of public input, demonstrates in detailed responses to each comment received. Support letters were wide-ranging; from students from Waikiki Elementary School’s 5th grade to Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard.

The National Trust is deeply grateful to all of our supporters who made comments favorable to preservation. And we are thrilled that the City has found that the preservation option (known as the “Perimeter Deck” alternative) remains the best – and most cost efficient way – to honor the legacy of Veterans and an internationally-recognized historic resource. We look forward to working hand in hand with the City as it refines its rehabilitation plan and reopens this long-imperiled site.