Second Poipu lifeguard tower up

POIPU — Two is better than one, and on Friday morning a new tower was put into service at Nukomoi Point at Poipu Beach Park.

“The tower got here last week and was assembled a couple of days ago, and it’s ready to go,” said Dr. Monty Downs of the Kauai Lifeguard Association in an email. “At the same time, with the Haena beaches inaccessible for visitors, the Poipu beaches have been slammed. Kalani Vierra, the Kauai Ocean Safety Bureau supervisor, decided to install the new tower at its Nukumoi Point location. It will be a huge help in keeping the Poipu area safe.”

Sue and Charlie Fafard of the monk seal monitoring program agreed the beaches have seen an increase in visitors.

“It appears that every week someone has a spring break,” Charlie Fafard said. “There are always a lot of people here.”

The second tower is portable, and was wheeled into place by a crew from the Kauai Ocean Safety Bureau.

The county relocated the Poipu lifeguard tower to a point about 75 yards eastward, closer to Brennecke’s Beach, in preparation for the arrival of this second tower.

This vantage point offers a better view of situations taking place at the beach fronting both the Marriott’s Waiohai Beach Club.

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Dennis Fujimoto, staff writer and photographer, can be reached at 245-0453 or dfujimoto@thegardenisland.com.