KAWAIHAE — More than 50 boaters and harbor users attended a community meeting hosted by state Rep. Cindy Evans at Waimea Civic Center April 30 to address ongoing Kawaihae Harbor issues.
The state’s Hawaii Island District Manager Stephen Schnelz, based at Honokohau Harbor, and Honolulu-based Chief Engineer Finn McCall shared updates on upcoming projects scheduled at he North Kawaihae Recreational Harbor and South Kawaihae Recreational Harbor.
The most pressing issue discussed was dredging at the base of the boat ramp at North Kawaihae Harbor. The state has awarded the dredging project and work is expected to begin on or around May 14. The projected completion date is June 2.
Many attendees expressed frustration for the long delay in getting a permit from the State Department of Health, which resulted in boaters needing to launch at Puako boat ramp.
Other needs discussed included adequate lighting at all locations, public restrooms at South Kawaihae Harbor and Puako, repairs of marginal wharf and breakwall at North Kawaihae Harbor, navigational lights for South Kawaihae Harbor, and paving and drainage improvements to North Kawaihae Harbor.
After years of delay caused by mitigation of coral growing in the harbor basin to comply with federal policy of no net loss of coral, the state is now preparing to send out a bid for proposals to install a new boat launch ramp at South Kawaihae Harbor.
Rep. Evans also met with the Department of Land and Natural Resources’ (DLNR) division manager of the Office of Boating and Recreation, Ed Underwood, last week to discuss the topics prioritized by the community. She also added one idea: to return the shower at the North Kawaihae Boat Harbor.
“I came away optimistic but with a better understanding of the details of each request,” Rep. Evans said. “We are making progress and that is the good news.”
She continued, “The passion of the community and those who showed up at the forum helped get our voice heard, and the new Hawaii district manager met us and has a better understanding of our experiences at the harbor. Hearing from the users is the knowledge one needs to better manage our state’s assets.”
Harbor users interested in updates or notice of future North Kawaihae Harbor and South Kawaihae Harbor meetings can contact Rep. Evans at 586-8510, or repevans@capitol.hawaii.gov.