The sea is invading Hawaii. The military's plan to build a seawall near Pearl Harbor might make the problem worse.

Pu‘uloa, a coral-lined stretch of sand along the southern curve of O‘ahu, is a sacred place. To the native people of Hawaii, it is home to an ancestral shark goddess, the spot where humans first stepped foot on the island. To mainlanders, parts of it are known as Pearl Harbor, home to the only site of foreign attack on American soil in the last century. But while the various stakeholders agree on the beach’s cultural importance, they have very different opinions about a proposed method of protecting it — namely, a 1,500-foot seawall designed to push against the rising tides of climate change.

The plan, put forward by the U.S. Marine Corps in 2019, would involve driving interlocking sheets of metal 20 feet into the underlying bedrock along the Pu‘uloa Range Training Facility. The wall would provide theoretically provide a protective barrier against the ocean’s encroaching waters. Beach erosion coupled with rising sea levels and heavier rains has intensified flooding in the state. Just last week, Hawaii Governor David Ige declared a state emergency after heavy flooding on O’ahu forced thousands of people to evacuate their homes.

But some residents and lawmakers say the Pu‘uloa seawall will just speed up erosion at Pu‘uloa’s Ewa Beach. When a wave hits a seawall, its energy can be reflected along the shore, resulting in beach sand loss and damage to nearby natural structures like coral.

“With climate change and sea-level rise impacts, we just need to get away from hardening our shorelines or we’re gonna end up without any beaches,” said Hawaii State Senator Mike Gabbard. “And what’s Hawaii without any beaches?”

On Thursday, Gabbard introduced a resolution to the state Senate in opposition to the planned seawall, calling on the U.S. Marine Corps to first complete an Environmental Impact Study. The resolution claimed the local neighborhood board was not formally notified of the project until after the end of the military’s comment period, depriving many residents of the chance to express concerns about the project’s impact on local beaches. In response, the U.S. Marine Corps told Grist they “remain committed to absolute transparency in the shoreline stabilization process.”

Under the National Environmental Policy Act, or NEPA, environmental impact statements are necessary for actions “significantly affecting the quality of the human environment.” But the Marine Corps argued that this requirement does not apply to the Pu‘uloa seawall since the proposed project would be built on federal land used by the military.

Gabbard, however, disagrees with this logic. “Whether it’s on federal land or not, people and families live close to the facility,” he said. “While we appreciate the military and what they contribute to the economy, the fact is they need to reach out to the community if they’re going to be a part of the community.”

Hawaii’s relationship with the U.S. military is deep and complicated. Over the last 80 years, the southern coast of O‘ahu has transformed into one of America’s largest bases, used by the U.S. Air Force, Navy, and Marine Corps. The military is one of the biggest economic drivers of the island’s economy. But its environmental legacy is more troubling. After the 1941 attack on Pearl Harbor, the islands were put under martial law for almost three years; near the end of World War II, the U.S. military disposed of tens of thousands of chemical weapons — around 4,220 tons of “unspecified toxics” and hydrogen cyanide, and 16,000 mustard bombs — by dumping them in the waters off O‘ahu.

Environmental concerns associated with the military persist in modern-day Hawaii. Today, the Islands have 115 military installations with at least one environmentally hazardous site. In 2019, the military dumped 540,000 pounds of nitrate compounds into the ocean off the joint Air Force and Navy base located just a few miles from the Pu‘uloa training facility.

The water in the community surrounding Pearl Harbor is contaminated with more waste than 99 percent of the country, according to the Environmental Protection Agency That has many advocates raising environmental justice concerns, especially as the state has the 13th highest poverty rate in the country, with the largest share of the burden falling on Native Hawaiians. Hawaiian activist Dennis “Bumpy” Kanahele even went so far as to describe America’s heavy military presence on his home island as “genocide in paradise.”

But it’s not just the Pu‘uloa seawall’s association with the military that has nearby residents concerned with the project. Over the last 100 years, Hawaii’s three major islands have lost roughly 25 percent of their beaches to erosion, exacerbated by similar seawalls. Though all of Hawaii’s beaches are technically owned by the public and residents are not supposed to construct any new seawalls, government officials have granted more than 230 environmental exemptions to wealthy private landowners, according to records compiled by the Honolulu Star-Advertiser and ProPublica.

Representatives from the O‘ahu chapter of the Surfrider Foundation, an environmental organization that works to protect oceans and beaches, have been pushing back against the use of seawalls for years. Like Gabbard, they are calling on the U.S. Marine Corps to conduct an environmental impact study.

“We have natural sandy beaches that have existed for hundreds of thousands of years,” said Doorae Shin, the O‘ahu chapter coordinator. “These are public trust resources and private property or military property doesn’t supersede the public’s right to that to that resource.”

The chapter also suggests that the Marine Corps move their training range’s firing line back from the shore to protect both the facility and the beach from future harm. The group says that unregulated target practices on the range lead to lead bullets finding their way into the ocean. (The plan is allegedly under consideration).

Even if the resolutions fail and the military is technically able to proceed without providing an environmental impact statement, the Surfriders hope activists’ efforts will convince the Marine Corps to take additional steps to minimize harm.

“The burden of proof is on them, it’s their land, it’s their — in Hawaii we say ‘kuleana’ — it’s their responsibility to take care of that land to protect our people,” Shin told Grist.

 

If you love water and the ocean, then Hawaii will delight you with a variety of water activities on offer. The local climate is pleasant all year round, and the water temperature does not drop below 27.2 C in summer and 24.4 C in winter. In addition to surfing, bodyboarding and snorkeling, you can try kayaking, scuba diving and parasailing.

The most popular kayaking destination on Oahu is Kailua. It is a cove protected by a reef, passing through which you can get to the Mokulua Islands. In this bay you can meet sea turtles and other representatives of the underwater world. Keilua is the best kayaking destination thanks to its warm and calm waters all year round. However, do not forget that weather conditions can change and the waves can get quite strong. Therefore, if you are looking for a relaxing kayaking trip, then we advise you to take a tour down the Waimea River, which flows in the northern part of Oahu. 

Very big lovers and fans of water recreation settle to live in Kailua to be able to enjoy water sports in Hawaii. Such fans are looking for houses to sell in Kailua https://hawaiitrustedrealty.com/houses-for-sale-honolulu/kailua, and become permanent residents there.

If you like Waikiki Beach, you can go canoeing, which is quite a popular activity in the area.

If you are vacationing on the island of Kauai and want to go kayaking, then Hanalei Bay is your best choice: in summer, when the waters are calm enough, on the northern coast (Na Pali coast) and in winter - off the southern coast (Poipu coast).

While vacationing on the island of Kauai, you will definitely want to go down the Wailua River by kayak. This adventure will give you the opportunity to enjoy the unspoiled nature of the island and get to the picturesque waterfalls.

The island of Maui abounds in places suitable for exciting kayaking. Popular locations include Makena Landing in the south of the island; the Olovalu coast, which has one of the largest reefs; coastal waters of Pali and Honolua Bay. On a leisurely kayak off the coast of Maui, you will be sure to enjoy the stunning underwater scenery and reef dwellers.

On the Big Island, scenic Keauhou Bay (birthplace of King Kamehameha the Great) and Kuamoo Bay are suitable for kayaking, where you have the chance to meet turtles, dolphins and mantle rays. Kuamoo Bay is surrounded by a large number of underwater caves and rocks, arches and lava tunnels.

You can always rent your own kayaking equipment in Hawaii. However, if you are resting here for the first time and are not sure about the safety of sailing, then we advise you to book a tour for which you will be provided with equipment and an experienced escort. Kayaking on the high seas is not fun for everyone. The ocean can be hectic and dangerous, and if you are a beginner you should first go kayaking down the river or kayaking with an experienced swimmer.

Scuba diving (scuba diving) is a popular activity in Hawaii. There are many companies on the islands offering their services for beginners and experienced divers. They can provide you with all the equipment you need.

Hawaii is an excellent snorkeling destination all year round as the ocean stays warm all the time. The water is clear and divers can see a variety of underwater inhabitants, including colorful tropical fish, green sea turtles, eels, rays, sharks and dolphins. The coral reef makes a huge impression on divers, and here you can find ship wrecks, underwater tunnels and caves.

The best scuba diving spots on Oahu are Kahuna Canyon, near Mokuleia on the north coast of the island, Ala Moana Park, Hanauma Bay and Sharks Cove.

On the island of Maui, scuba divers can visit the Molokini Marine Reserve, where you can see unusual coral formations and various marine life.

If you really enjoy scuba diving, then be sure to go to the island of Kauai, where the best diving spots on Earth are located. Take the Sheraton Caverns off the Poipu coast; to Black Mountain, near Kip Kai; visit the aquarium, near Navilivili; and don't forget the Brenneckes Ledge.

The Kona Coast on the Big Island is an excellent snorkeling destination. Here you will find blue and clear waters and a vibrant underwater world.

Parasailing (flying by parachute, towed by a boat) is fun entertainment and sports for those who want to fly high (90-245 m) above the ocean. Imagine the view from this height! You can see everything from a parachute, and the flight itself will bring you a lot of exciting joy. Local companies can offer you parasailing services in Oahu, Maui and the Big Island.

There are several companies in Oahu that are licensed to provide these services and are using the latest equipment. Some companies will give you a ride over Ala Moana and Waikiki Beach, while others will offer you a parachute flight over Coco Marina off Hanauma Bay.

On Maui, you can enjoy parasailing over the famous Kaanapali Beach. And if you are vacationing on the Big Island, then you have the opportunity to ride over the coast of Kona.

In addition to the activities mentioned, you can find many other water activities such as jet skiing, snub diving, windsurfing, kitesurfing and fishing.