In 1927, the Waikiki Natatorium War Memorial in Honolulu, opened to the public as a saltwater swimming pool. The historic pool sits right on the shoreline, with only a thin strip of concrete separating the pool water from the ocean water. Facing the land is a white stone façade with decorative archways and bleachers. However, it has been closed to the public for more than 40 years.
Despite not allowing swimmers into the water, the Waikiki Natatorium War Memorial has been far from sleepy for the past 40 years. In 2015 a documentary about the memorial, “The Tank” was released. And the city of Honolulu regularly hosts Memorial Day and Veterans Day events outside of the natatorium.
Now, the city and Friends of the Natatorium, a nonprofit, are investing $35 million into the renovation of the pool so it can be enjoyed by the public once again. The city has budgeted $1 million of the proposed budget, and the rest of the funds will be gathered by the nonprofit organization.
The city plans to begin construction in time for the Waikiki National War Memorial’s 100th anniversary in 2027, and it is a massive project to prepare for.
“Some of the existing natatorium will have to be taken down and rebuilt. That’s where a big part of the costs come from because you are working in the water. But the outside facade is going to stay largely as it is,” Andy Snugg, chief of staff for the mayor’s office, told Honolulu KHNL.
Another concern for the upcoming project is the environment. Renovations to the structure must take into consideration the risks of stagnant water, so openings are being made on two sides of the basin for water to flow freely. The city and Friends of the Natatorium conducted a five-year environmental study leading up to this weeks’ announcement.
