HI HR49

Urges the Department of Land and Natural Resources and City and County of Honolulu to preserve the Waikiki War Memorial Natatorium in its original location on the Waikiki shore, honoring Act 15 of the 1921 Territorial Legislature.

Recognizes the Natatorium as a "Living Memorial" completed in 1927 to honor 102 servicemen from Hawaii killed in World War I, designed by architect Louis P. Hobart in Beaux-Arts style.

Notes the facility's historical significance as a training site for Olympic athletes including Buster Crabbe and Johnny Weismuller, and host to national and international swimming competitions.

Acknowledges the Natatorium is listed on both National and Hawaii Registers of Historic Places and serves as an architectural anchor for the Waikiki District and repository of Hawaii's swimming and Olympic history.

Opposes the September 2009 Waikiki Natatorium Task Force recommendation (voted 9-3) to demolish the structure, which was accepted by Mayor Mufi Hannemann in November 2009.