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Posted: Tuesday, May 8th, 2012 5:57 AM HST

Beaches on most visited Hawaii islands eroding

By Associated Press

Federal officials say most beaches on Hawaii's most visited islands are disappearing. The U.S. Geological Survey said in a study released Monday that 70 percent of beaches on Maui, Kauai and Oahu are going through long-term erosion. The study says 85 percent of beaches are eroding on Maui, while more than 70 percent are eroding on Kauai. The study says 60 percent of Oahu's beaches are eroding. The study's lead author says he hopes the study will help guide developers and local officials as they consider development along the shoreline. Chip Fletcher of the University of Hawaii says the study looked at more than 12,000 locations. Beaches are the top attraction for more than 7 million Hawaii visitors each year. Tourists spent $12.6 billion in the state last year.