North Shore Oahu homeowners try to save property from sea wave erosion
By Nana Ohkawa KITV NEWS
Winter swells draw thousands to Oahu's North Shore. But homeowners aren't looking forward to the monster waves. They are trying to protect their property from eroding into the sea.
Randolph Moore is measuring how many feet of yard he has left. He said he's never had his property erode so fast since the 45 years he's owned it.
"There used to be 20 feet more vegetation, bushes all along here and a little path to go along the beach, now you need a parachute. It's quite surprising to look out and say well the oceans right in my front yard," said Moore.
About ten homes between Rocky Point and Sunset Beach have faced massive erosion. Some have added support beams in hopes to keep their homes from falling apart.
Ryce Reeves' tree house in his backyard is leaning forward, he's tied the tree up to try and stabilize it before it becomes a safety hazard.
"Usually, what will happen is the beach will just flatten out during a big west swell and it will be OK. The berm will just mellow out, but this time it just took everybody's things down," said Reeves.
Reeves deck and stairs were torn down in the last couple of weeks. He says he also lost 15 feet of his property within the last couple of days.
Neighbors Moore and Reeves say they can prep for the swell, but mother nature will take its course.
"There's not much you can do. It all depends on the swells. We are on the mercy of nature here," said Reeves.
Erosion problems washing away North Shore properties
KHON NEWS
Ryce Reeves has lived on the North Shore for more than three decades. About a week ago, his 16-foot deck and stairs were taken out by erosion.
His neighbors properties are also experiencing the same thing. Reeves says there are about 11 homes damaged by erosion.
"If it gets back there, I just figure I would just kiss it goodbye. I'm way over the worry part because you can't take it with you," Reeves said.
Officials with the state Department of Land and Natural Resources have done several site checks, but haven't figured out a solution to the erosion problem.
The state says for now, they want homeowners to contact them, if they want to build something to protect their property.
