According to Elder Whiting our Area Authority there will no longer be baptisms performed on the beaches of Hawaii. This truly Hawaiian tradition has had a few problems. The priesthood brethren that act as witnesses don't really like to get their feet wet so they often don't walk out into the waves far enough to really see if the ordinance is completely accurate in its' performance.
Another problem has been that even though baptisms are held at very early hours there is still often a cute bikini clad young woman or swim suited macho guy running or swimming in the area affecting the sacred nature of the baptism.
As much as I have loved the beauty and uniqueness of the baptism in the sea, there is also the problem of hearing the little talks given or the words said in the actual ordinance due to the wind that is often blowing in my ears. It has been an awesome moment to look up the street from Temple Beach directly to the Laie, Hawaii Temple and that site will now not accompany baptisms. The only baptismal font in our Stake happens to be in Amber's ward building in Kahuku 1st ward. It remains to be seen whether baptismal fonts will now be added to the existing building in the area.
I am quite sure the person receiving baptism will still receive a lei from family and friends in token of congratulations on taking this important step in their spiritual development. After all this is Hawaii.
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