I came back today and they're not good conditions. Despite the warnings and the waits, Fisher said she was determined to visit what is considered one of the state's top tourist destinations before she went home. The city's goals at Hanauma Bay are safety and preservation, but the success of the center could depend on how visitors react to waits of up to an hour to see an educational video. Delay or no, visitors seem to support the concept if it protects the bay, and conservation officials applauded the idea. There aren't a lot of open spaces left and we need to protect them.
Mandatory education is a great idea.
Fisher said she wouldn't mind having to see a video before going snorkeling. But it can't be too long, she said. The state land board, after several public hearings and two years of discussion, recently approved the city's plans, which include a theater, exhibit area, information desk, snack bar and gift shop. Construction of the education center will begin in April, city officials said. The center, covered over by an earthen berm, should be completed by November, said Rae Loui, city director of design and construction.