Making Beach Access a Priority

By Sherry Heiser/ NSCC

Much needed renovations began earlier this year at the John Kalili Surf and Recreation Center at Haleiwa Ali’i Beach Park. However, fencing installed for construction blocked the handicapped beach access mats. That prompted Bill Martin, owner of Island X in Waialua and long-time North Shore Chamber of Commerce Board member, to spring into action, make several contacts, and rally the troops to move the mats so they could be used again.

Imagine being unable to reach beach areas or to view our world-class shore breaks. That used to be the case at North Shore beaches for many wheelchair or mobility challenged people. However, that changed when beach access mats were installed at Waimea Bay Beach Park, and later at ‘Ehukai Beach Park in 2016, and Haleiwa Ali’i Beach Park in 2017.

When Martin became wheelchair bound 11 years ago, his perspective dramatically changed. Previously an avid surfer, he realized how difficult it would be for him to reach the shoreline. That was when he decided to lobby for access mats at more local beaches. At that time, they were only at Waimea Bay.

“I realized there was no way for people to get down to the beach or to see the iconic Pipeline,” he said.

This installation of the mats at ‘Ehukai Beach and Ali’i Beach parks involved a joint private and public effort coordinated by the North Shore Chamber and Bill Quinlan, its chair at the time. Access Surf along with other community organizations and volunteers came out to work on the projects. Funding came from First Hawaiian Bank – Haleiwa, McDonald’s –
Haleiwa, the World Surf League, the D’Ascoli family, and private donations. The City and County Department of Parks and Recreation, the Sunset Beach Community Association, and the Neighborhood Board promoted the venture. Ever since, a dedicated group of volunteers including Blake McElheny, Karen Gallagher, Curtis Wood, and Abraham Shell have provided ongoing maintenance.

So, recently, Martin contacted volunteers and local groups to help get the access mats moved by the John Kalili Surf Center. City Parks and Recreation Department staff sealed the deal by getting through the red tape to make it happen. Finally, volunteers moved the mats temporarily until the Surf Center construction project is done.

Moving forward, Martin plans to seek funding for additional mats to shore up and extend the current locations. As he explains it, the mats are often used as a natural extension of the sidewalk and make our beaches more accessible for all of us to enjoy.