The Coast Guard has determined that the best course of action for a lighthouse sitting on a rapidly eroding site on the Big Island is its removal.

The Coast Guard said Monday that the decision to remove Kauhola Lighthouse was made after consultation with state historic preservation officials.

Kauhola Lighthouse sits on 3.5 acres of federal government property north of Häwí in the Kohala area. It is in danger of falling down a steep cliff face if no action is taken. Last month, the Coast Guard and a contractor erected a monopole light to aid mariners in their navigation of the coastline.

Kauhola Lighthouse, built in 1933, is no longer operational.

"Obviously, our first choice would be to find a way to help preserve this lighthouse," Lt. Cmdr. Cesar Acosta, commanding officer of the Coast Guard's Civil Engineering Unit in Honolulu, said in a statement. "However, after detailed analysis and close coordination with the state of Hawaii, it has been determined that the most reasonable course of action is removal."