The severe tides and waves that we’ve been experiencing have caused extensive erosion over the past couple of weeks along the beach fronting Kalaeoio Beach Park at the entrance to Kaaawa. Tons of sand have washed away, threatening at least one large tree in the park.
There is always substantial seasonal shifting of sand, as seasonal storms leave their marks. But this erosion is worse than normal.
August 7: I asked Meda to stand in front of this newly eroded area in front of the park. Nearly five feet of sand disappeared, literally overnight.
August 10: The erosion continues. On Sunday, there were large areas of lawn that had been undermined and collapsed onto the beach below.
August 11: Here’s how the whole area looked this morning.
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Same thing is happening in Kahana Bay. It all started 3 weeks ago when we had the 14 inches of rain in one night and the river washed away a lot of sand. The the high tides took over. This morning I could see evidence of high tide going 20 feet beyond the areas already washed away.
You may not “believe” in global warming or sea level rise but do you believe your own eyes? Waikiki beach is eroding. There was a $4million sand replenishment completed last year in addition to the one which was done several years ago. Government officials admit that it will probably have to be done again in 10 years or less.
If you watch the following Youtube videos, they tell a compelling story. Whatever you “believe” or not believe is the cause you can go to almost any beach (Kailua KAAAWA) on Oahu and see the effects.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zw2c9-Cgxvk
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lNpSVKnx620
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kRhP60ZdSWw
Nothing is being done about all the sea walls which have removed the sand beaches from many if not most Oahu beaches.
I believe the Iselle and Julio had an effect. The mega full moon needs to be considered. Just my 2cents.
O`ahu Atoll — Sure it’s silly for us to deal with geologic time, but still something to keep in mind.
Ken, you are undoubtedly correct the storm surf from Iselle and Julio as well as high tides generated by the “super moon” had some short term effect. But in view of the fact that Dr. Fletcher’s study shows that 70% of Oahu beaches are in a state of chronic, long term erosion, I would be really interested to see how much of that sand comes back with more normal conditions and how that stretch of beach is changing long term.
So Ian, along with Feline Friday and Throw-Back Thursday, how about every month or two or three have a Wash-Away Wednesday where you post pictures of how Kaaawa beach is fairing. In particular I would like to know how long that tree in picture number three survives.
Two lane Kamehameha Highway is in serious jeopardy from coastal erosion.
It’s difficult to fathom what our pro-urbanization neighbors in Laie are thinking in this regard.
It makes absolutely no sense to allow further “development” between Haleiwa and Kahalu’u until this critical health and safety issue is addressed.
We’d love your review of the beach at https://lookintohawaii.com/hawaii/4209/kaaawa-beach-park-beaches-oahu-kaaawa-hi too…mahalo!