by What sets Hawaii apart from other tropical destinations, like French Polynesia, is the number of public beaches. The state is estimated to have 409. All beaches in Hawaii are public except those on federal land, which includes military bases.
Landowners must permit and maintain public access. Access remains a balancing act between private land rights and public beach laws, an ongoing concern in areas where wealthy landowners hold significant holdings.
Kauai County Council to Preserve Public Access to Anini Beach.
A new Council resolution hopes to clarify boundaries and defend the public’s right to enjoy its precious beaches against so-called “illegal encroachments.”
By law, Hawaii’s beaches belong to everyone. Yet a wealthy Hawaii real estate developer known for his work with Four Seasons, Disney’s Aulani, Ko Olina Resort and Princeville Resort has reportedly restricted access to beloved Anini Beach, sparking outrage from residents and visitors.
What happened at Anini Beach?
A property owner allegedly created a sense of private beach ownership by installing security guards, outdoor furniture and obstructive closure signs on his property overlooking Anini Beach. We understand that the property is located near the end of Anini Road beyond the beach park.
Kauai Council President Mel Rapozo has repeatedly said that private beachfront property owners can never block people’s right to the shore, emphasizing that Kauai’s beaches are supposed to remain open to everyone, regardless of the wealthy. landowners.
Mel Rapozo told the county council he removed the closure sign installed by the landowner. He said all the barriers have been removed, but Rapozo doesn’t think the owner won’t try to do it again.
Anini Beach has the largest coral reef in Hawaii.
It is famous for its calm, shallow waters sheltered by Hawaii’s largest coral reef, making it ideal for family outings, snorkeling and kitesurfing. This protected coastline offers some of the best snorkeling on the island due to the reef’s natural barrier against large waves.
Anini is popular among locals and visitors because of its scenic beauty, public picnic areas, and camping areas.
A Beat of Hawaii commenter said, “I grew up here, fishing these waters. We now have gates and signs saying “private property” where we used to freely go. It’s not good.
Two resolutions adopted for access to public beaches.
Resolution 2024-26, adopted October 23, 2024, requests a state-led shoreline survey to clarify public and private boundaries at Anini Beach Kauai.
A second resolution urges Kauai’s planning department to reclaim public access points, addressing growing complaints across the island.
Kauai City Council Member Billy DeCosta, who co-sponsored these resolutions, emphasized that protecting beach access is a stand for everyone who feels excluded from community-owned spaces, emphasizing the importance of preserving these areas for everyone, not just a privileged few.
Comparison of Hawaii and Tahiti: public access and private interests.
Hawaii’s fight against private landowners encroaching on public beach access mirrors similar conflicts across the Pacific. In a recent Beat of Hawaii article on Tahiti vs. Hawaii, we explored Tahiti’s approach to shoreline access. While Tahiti generally maintains much more restrictive public access to beaches than Hawaii, the island faces increasing challenges against private ownership. Like Hawaii, residents of Tahiti are frustrated by the commercialization of their public and natural spaces.
Read: Vacation in Tahiti or Hawaii: big differences make the choice easier.
Manu, a Tahiti enthusiast, tells us: “In Tahiti, we have the impression that the beaches are almost all private. Hawaii is becoming different now: too many gates, too many “private” signs, too little beach access.
Legal avenues and potential solutions in Anini Beach.
Resolution 2024-26 calls for a shoreline survey, a critical legal step to distinguish public from private property and strengthen public rights at Anini Beach.
This decision aligns with decisions by the Hawaii Supreme Court, which have historically favored expanded public access. Councilor Ross Kagawa, however, expressed concerns that regaining public access could lead to issues such as homelessness in those areas, drawing on past experiences on Kauai.
Council President Rapozo firmly believes that purchasing oceanfront property comes with an expectation of public access, noting that Hawaii’s shores are for everyone. He suggested the county consider using eminent domain, a costly and time-consuming measure that would be a last resort.
A broader trend: the privatization of Hawaii’s coasts.
Jeffrey Stone’s actions at Anini Beach reflect a broader trend in Hawaii: the rise of powerful landowners with deep pockets transforming public spaces into private enclaves.
According to Forbes, private lands in Hawaii are increasingly owned by ultra-wealthy individuals, including high-profile figures like Oprah Winfrey and Mark Zuckerberg. Together, these 37 billionaires own about 11 percent of the state’s private land, often located in prime coastal areas. Read 37 Rich and Famous Who Live in Hawaii.
While many claim to preserve and conserve the land, community members believe public access is gradually eroding.
Kai O., a long-time reader and commenter, observed: “We feel like we are becoming strangers in our own country. These beaches are part of Hawaiian culture, a way of life.
As the Kauai Council takes a stand, the question remains: Can local leaders effectively resist these powerful interests to safeguard Hawaii’s cherished shores for future generations?
The fight for Anini Beach marks a critical turning point for Hawaii.
This is more than just a beach or a real estate developer: it’s a defining moment for public access to Hawaii’s most treasured natural spaces. The Kauai County Council’s proactive resolutions send a clear message that public access is non-negotiable, even when powerful developers are involved.
In Hawaii, where beaches are an integral part of community life, preserving these public rights is legal and honors a deep cultural heritage.
Hawaii’s beach access problems extend beyond Kauai. Coastal development is increasingly impacting the islands’ public shorelines, where private landowners often use sea walls, fences and vegetation to secure their properties. These measures often lead to beach erosion and challenge public access, creating friction between landowners and local communities who value these areas for cultural and recreational purposes.
Despite Hawaii Supreme Court rulings that protect public access to the highest surf, enforcement remains difficult, with residents frequently reporting shoreline obstructions. Advocacy groups like Earthjustice and Surfrider Foundation work alongside residents to preserve access rights, with the goal of keeping Hawaii’s shores open to all.
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