The beach at Iroquois Point has soft white sand, baby waves that tap the shore and a dramatic view of Honolulu in the distance.

It also has cabanas you can't use, barbecue grills you can't use and beach chairs you can't sit on.

But this is nothing new in Hawai'i and most of us are used to sitting on the sand while the hotel guests get the teak chaise lounges. We got over that long ago.

But what is most noticeable is what the beach at Iroquois Point doesn't have: junked cars, parking wars, blue tarp encampments, the waft of sewage, piles of paper plate/beer can/dirty diaper garbage, psycho dogs chasing down children.

Except for the airplanes making the approach to Honolulu International Airport every five minutes and the scream of military jets on maneuvers, it is quiet on Iroquois Point beach.

The area had been completely off-limits to the public since a private rental agency took over management of the former Navy housing area and turned it into Iroquois Point Island Club. The company claimed the right to exclude the public since the land is still under Navy control and thus exempt from state law requiring public access to all beaches.

In April, a new policy was put in place that allows a limited number of public visitors to the beach during the day. You must pass through the guards at the entrance to the Island Club and present a valid driver's license, car registration and insurance card. You must also sign a waiver for yourself and any children in your party, put a pass on the windshield of your car, and park in an assigned parking stall.

The list of rules is long. You can't drive over 15 mph, you can't fish in certain areas, you can't sleep in your car. No glass bottles are allowed on the beach or the grass area, no open fires or barbecue grills.

But the rules are reasonable and the guards are friendly.

On a weekday morning, the beach was completely empty except for a lady and her poor dog who had gotten tangled in a fishing line. The hook was stuck in the dog's leg, though the animal was being brave about the whole thing. It was a reminder, though, of just what the liability waiver you sign at the gate is all about.

It is not the most beautiful beach on O'ahu, though it has its certain charm, mostly that it is uncrowded and relatively safe from the human dangers that lurk on public beaches.

What is best about Iroquois Point is that a workable plan was put in place to allow public access.

Lee Cataluna's column runs Tuesdays, Fridays and Sundays. Reach her at 535-8172 or lcataluna@honoluluadvertiser.com.