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Gov. Neil Abercrombie Tuesday announced the release of more than $33 million for various capital improvement projects administered by the state Department of Land and Natural Resources that invest in state parks, boating facilities, hazard mitigation and watershed protection.
“Hawaii’s natural resources are renowned the world over and are a significant part of what makes our state such a special place to call home,” Abercrombie said. “It is important that we invest in protecting these natural resources and the safety of our residents and visitors who enjoy them year-round.”
Allotment of funds for the following projects, identified by state legislators, has been approved by the governor:
- $11,510,000 – Lump Sum Improvements at Boating and Ocean Recreation Facilities, statewide – Design and construction funds for improvements at the Kailua-Kona Wharf loading dock, Puako Launch Ramp and Kawaihae Small Boat Harbor-South on Hawaii Island; Sand Island Launch Ramp, along with Ala Wai, Heeia, Keehi and Waianae Kea Small Boat Harbors on Oahu; Kaunakakai, Lahaina and Manele Small Boat Harbors in Maui County; and Kikiaola, Nawiliwili and Port Allen Small Boat Harbors on Kauai.
- $8,750,000 – Rockfall and Flood Mitigation, statewide – Design and construction funds to address areas where boulders and rock outcroppings on state lands have fallen and caused damage or have a high potential for becoming dislodged and threatening public health and safety or property. The funds will retain specialty consultants and contractors to perform detailed assessments, design and/or construction of mitigative measures to protect public safety and/or reduce state liability from potential hazardous conditions imposed by state-owned lands. Projects include rockfall or flood mitigation at Hanapepe, Kauai; Haleiwa, Oahu; Diamond Head, Oahu; Pali Lookout, Oahu; Makapuu, Oahu; Iao Valley State Park, Maui; and other areas statewide that may be deemed to pose hazardous conditions.
- $6,750,000 – Lump Sum CIP Improvements at State Parks, statewide – Planning, design and construction funds for a wide range of repair and improvement projects including park and facility infrastructure system improvements and historical facilities and monuments repairs. State park facilities include Sand Island State Recreational Area, Oahu; Kokee State Park, Kauai; Haena State Park, Kauai; Makena State Park, Maui; Hapuna Beach State Recreational Area, Hawaii Island; and other various state park facilities.
- $3,000,000 – State Parks Hazard Mitigation, statewide – Design, construction and equipment funds to address natural hazard incidents, rockfall hazards, slope erosion hazards, flooding and drainage hazards, park emergency and clean-up response, and equipment to implement the mitigation improvements.
- $3,000,000 – Watershed Initiative, statewide – Construction funds for fencing to protect forest lands and watersheds from non-native cattle, goats, pigs and deer at the Alakai Wilderness Preserve on Kauai, along with the Ewa Forest Reserve, Kaluanui Natural Area Reserve and Kaala Natural Area Reserve on Oahu. Funds will also be used to plant native trees to restore the watersheds on the north slope of Mauna Kea on Hawaii Island.
- $800,000 ($400,000 in special funds, $400,000 in private contribution funds) – Kaanapali Beach Restoration and Berm Enhancement, Maui – Planning and design funds to replace approximately 50,000 cubic yards of sand from near offshore locations to the shoreline to restore and enhance the recreational and aesthetic enjoyment of approximately 3,200 feet of Kaanapali Beach. DLNR has entered into a Memorandum of Understanding with the Kaanapali Operations Associations (KOA), which states that KOA will equally share in the cost of the project.