As is so often the case, the preferred solution to the endless problem of beach-sand erosion at Waikiki is no longer available.

Had the resort destination been developed so that hotels were set back farther from the shore so sand would erode and accrete more naturally along the shoreline, it would be less of a critical concern.

But that opportunity has been lost for many years. It didn't take long for Waikiki's immense value to become clear and for hotel owners to do whatever they could — including building seawalls — to save their little piece of it. Seawalls, in fact, contributed to the erosion.

In reality, the remaining options for keeping beach sand fronting much of this critical tourist destination are stopgap replenishment projects such as the ones the state has underwritten for years, and now the one proposed at Gray's Beach, the shoreline that fronts the Sheraton Waikiki.

The plan needs careful review by state ocean resources officials, but at this point the proposal seems to be an encouraging development.

In addition to pumping in sand from offshore, the proposal is to build three T-shaped, 160-foot-long groins in the water, designed to help retain the sand on shore for as long as possible. As envisioned, the project would add about 38,000 square feet to the beach, roughly an area that could accommodate 500 beachgoers.

Some charge that groins could affect offshore surf sites. But if that's being held up as an impediment to the plan, critics need to present the hard evidence to the Department of Land and Natural Resources that this outcome is likely and that it would offset the benefits of a more stable beachfront.

Other experts counter that groins can be useful to inhibit the natural erosion process, which is essential if the state wants to avoid constant replenishment operations. Officials need to examine the design before issuing permits, to be sure this is the case.

On the whole, it's heartening to see the hotel industry take some ownership of the erosion problem, rather than leaving it all on the taxpayers' shoulders. Residents can hope that other companies will follow Sheraton's example.