University of Hawaii backs Waikiki designation as world surfing reserve; committee hears questions about beach projects

The House Committee on Water and Land heard April 23 from the University of Hawaii in support of SCR 94, a resolution endorsing Waikiki as a world surfing reserve.

Dolan Eversole of the University of Hawaii said the designation primarily "brings recognition of the importance and the value of surfing to this particular area and to the community" and could attract grant funding. He told lawmakers that applying to the Save the Waves organization to become a world surf reserve would require creating a stewardship committee and a management plan to protect the surf site.

Members asked whether the reserve would limit routine beach‑nourishment or dredging projects. Eversole said the designation "doesn't bring any additional limitations or restrictions" by itself and that ongoing beach restoration activities are considered regular maintenance; restrictions would only follow if specifically developed in a management plan. On engineered shoreline structures, Eversole explained that shore groins alter wave approach but the proposed T‑head groins in the Halekulani cell would be unlikely to affect surf sites located roughly 1,500 feet offshore beyond the reef.

Representative Mizuno asked whether the resolution is required to apply to Save the Waves; Eversole said the group could apply independently but that a legislative resolution "would certainly strengthen our application." The committee voted to pass SCR 94 as recommended.

The endorsement is symbolic: the resolution encourages a stewardship approach and may help shore up grant applications but does not itself impose construction or permitting restrictions; any concrete limits would depend on subsequent management planning and permitting.