New Portlock Beach Right of Way open to the public

Following a court ruling in favor of the City and County of Honolulu, a new Beach Right of Way (BROW) is now open to the public in Portlock.

BROW 122A near 379 Portlock Road was officially opened to the public Wednesday following a legal process beginning with the passage of Honolulu City Council Resolution 18-263. This resolution authorized the City to file a lawsuit in Circuit Court to acquire the pedestrian easement through eminent domain. The recent court ruling allows the City to take possession of the easement and allow the public to use it, while the remaining issues in the eminent domain lawsuit continue to be litigated. This includes the amount of compensation required to be paid for the easement.  

The opening Wednesday involved City crews removing a privately-owned gate blocking access to the now public easement and installation of the BROW signage.

This access way had long been a source of community concern following the private restriction of public access through the corridor. The opened public easement will now serve surfers, fishermen, and other recreational ocean-goers.

“The dismantling of the gate and the restoration of public access signifies a win for the community,” said Tommy Waters, Chair and Presiding Officer of the Honolulu City Council. “It also allows, as is required by law, beach access for all O‘ahu residents and beach-goers. It is a great day when the rights of our community are upheld.”

If you need an auxiliary aid/service, other accommodations due to a disability, or an interpreter for a language other than English in reference to this announcement, please call DPR at (808) 768-3003 on weekdays from 7:45 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. or email [email protected]