The Waikiki War Memorial Natatorium, a monument to Hawai'i history that has become a perennially contentious source of debate, will soon be history itself under a new plan adopted by the city.

Mayor Mufi Hannemann yesterday announced that he has accepted a task force recommendation to demolish much of the facility, while retaining its famous archway as a lasting tribute to local World War I veterans.

The plan — which still faces a lengthy process of study, planning and financing — calls for the Olympic-size saltwater pool, bleachers and much of the surrounding structure to be demolished. The archway will be moved further inland.

"It's always difficult when dealing with an emotional issue and this has been an emotional issue for a long time," Hannemann said. "The challenges were ensuring health and safety as well as coming up with funding. This is a very good compromise."

The recommendation was forwarded by a task force, convened by the city earlier this year, that was charged with coming up with a solution that would end the decades-long debate over what to do with the crumbling memorial.

The task force voted 9-3 in September to demolish the natatorium.

Opponents of demolition said yesterday they'll pursue legal or other means to stop the monument from being torn down.

"The plan is to challenge any attempt at demolition and to try to get some kind of forum going on looking at what the (other) options are," said Peter Apo, president of the Friends of the Natatorium.

He added that he is disappointed by how the city has handled the issue.

"Everybody has been hellbent on demolishing it. To be gleeful about a public policy to destroy a national treasure, there's just something a little sick about that," he said.

The natatorium was constructed in 1927 to honor 101 Hawai'i residents who died in World War I. It has been closed since 1979 because of safety concerns.

The task force had also considered "no build" and "full restoration" proposals.

Hannemann said public safety, funding and the opportunity to expand publicly accessible beach areas were key considerations in his decision to move ahead with the recommendation.

The facility was set to undergo full renovation in 2004 when Hannemann halted the project.

Collins Lam, deputy director of the city Department of Design and Construction, said full restoration would cost an estimated $43 million, while the current plan will cost about $15 million.

Hannemann said funding sources will need to be identified to cover the cost of the project, which is not expected to be completed until 2017.

An environmental impact study also will have to be completed before the project can proceed.

The plan ultimately will open some two acres of public beach in the area between Queen's Surf and Kaimana Beach. Design plans unveiled at a news conference yesterday show a pair of parallel groins extending seaward on each side of the area.

Waikiki Improvement Association head Rick Egged said that while there was lively debate among task force members, most agreed that the matter needed to be resolved.

"Something needed to be done," Egged said. "The natatorium has been closed for decades. It's ridiculous that as a community we haven't moved forward. Credit the mayor for establishing a process to do this."