After beachgoers raise concern, city removes sharp rebar exposed at Kahala Beach

HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) - City crews removed dangerous rebar from Kahala Beach on Tuesday after beachgoers raised concern over safety in the area.

Concrete slabs and sharp rebar spikes were sticking out of the sand after being exposed during a city construction project over the weekend.

A spokesperson for the city’s Department of Parks and Recreation said the construction area is part of an effort to open the stream mouth and drainage canal to allow the fresh water to flow into the ocean.

“It is believed the rebar in question was previously submerged underneath the sand,” said spokesperson Nate Serota. “With it unearthed, the city cut off and ground down the exposed rebar to address the hazard earlier this morning.”

Before the change was made, beachgoers said they were worried someone could get seriously hurt.

“It’s super spiky and super sharp and kids playing around here,” said Holger Gruenert, who kite surfs in the area. “If you land in there, you’re dead. That’s like a knife blade sticking straight up.”

Officials encourage the public to report safety concerns like this directly to the city using the Honolulu 311 website or smartphone application.

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