The owner of the Sheraton Waikiki said today it will proceed with plans to restore a stretch of beach fronting its property and install groins in the water to inhibit erosion.

A number of state and federal permits are needed, and Kyo-Ya Hotels and Resorts expects that process to take as long as two years. Barring unforeseen obstacles, work could begin in 2010, said Ernest Nishizaki, executive vice president and chief operating officer for Kyo-ya.

The plan calls for installing three T-shaped, 160-foot-long groins in the water and pumping in sand to Gray's Beach, which fronts the Sheraton Waikiki. Currently, there is no beach at the Sheraton except during very low tide.

The erosion of Waikiki Beach is one of the biggest problems facing the No. 1 tourist destination in the islands, and the Sheraton's plan is being closely watched by other beachfront hotels and tourism experts.

But the Sheraton proposal also faces opposition from surfers and others who worry that the rock groins will be bad for the environment and a popular surf break.