KEKAHA — The Kaua‘i Fire Department, in partnership with the state Department of Transportation, is seeking public input on the relocation of the Kekaha lifeguard tower. “Moving the towers is necessary,” said Kaua’i County Director of Communications Beth Tokioka in
KEKAHA — The Kaua‘i Fire Department, in partnership with the state Department of Transportation, is seeking public input on the relocation of the Kekaha lifeguard tower.
“Moving the towers is necessary,” said Kaua’i County Director of Communications Beth Tokioka in an e-mail, “and must be done as soon as possible. That being said, we still want to be sensitive to the community, and that’s why we’re having the meeting to gather some input before a final location is determined… We plan to propose a couple of alternatives at the meeting, however, those alternatives are not yet finalized.”
A community workshop to discuss the relocation will be held on Wednesday, Jan. 12, from 6 to 8 p.m., at the Kekaha Neighborhood Center, 8130 Elepaio Rd.
According to the US Army Corps of Engineers, the current location of the Kekaha tower and its associated improvements are in violation of the rules governing federal assistance for the Kekaha Beach Road Shore Protection Project.
Failure to maintain the project in accordance with these federal requirements could result in the loss of future assistance for shore protection work in this area, a county press release stated.
In order to comply with these rules and regulations, the state and county have been informed by USACE that the tower must be relocated to at least 300 feet west of its current location.
“It is imperative that we comply with this directive, and we would appreciate the public’s input before we make a decision,” said Fire Chief Robert Westerman. “We will insure that the new location will not compromise safety and will allow our lifeguards to monitor the beach and ocean appropriately.”
During the workshop, the public will be invited to comment on the proposed relocation. Public comments will be accepted through Jan. 26, after which the County will make a final determination on the new site for the tower and begin the relocation in early February.
Anyone who would like to request an auxiliary aid or materials in an alternate format is asked to contact the Ocean Safety Bureau at least five days before the meeting.
