By Staff Reports
(HONOLULU) — The City and County of Honolulu’s Department of Design and Construction (DDC) is set to begin repairs on the Queen’s Surf seawall and walkway in Kapiʻolani Park, ewa of the Barefoot Beach Café. The promenade walkway collapsed in May 2024 due to powerful south shore swells.
The $3.75 million project has received all necessary authorizations and is scheduled to start Tuesday, January 21, 2025. Construction will take place Monday through Friday, excluding holidays, from 6:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., with work hours adjusted as needed to accommodate tidal conditions.
Repairs are expected to be completed within six months, barring any unforeseen delays.
The contractor, Sea Engineering Inc., will initiate the project by installing large sandbags in the nearshore waters around the perimeter of the damaged seawall to establish a sediment-control zone for the repair work per regulatory requirements. The rock wall will be reconstructed with a new concrete foundation and its face voids filled. The cavity in the promenade will be filled with concrete and new walkway light pole foundations are to be constructed to replace the several existing light pole foundations sinking into the cavity. A new walkway will be poured with a stamped concrete finish that resembles the walkway at the old surf rack location.
Access to the affected area will be restricted during the project for public health and safety. Signage will be placed near the Surfer Boy monument at Kūhiō Beach Park and along the promenade to indicate that the accessible route to the Barefoot Café and the Waikīkī War Memorial Natatorium will be via the Kalākaua Avenue sidewalk. Construction noise is anticipated. Pedestrians are advised to avoid the construction zone, and safety personnel will be present on-site to monitor activities and enforce safety measures.
The City appreciates the community’s patience and understanding during this process. For any questions or comments, please contact the City and County of Honolulu, Department of Design and Construction, at (808) 768-8400.