Much-needed dredging on the horizon for key Hawaii Island small boat harbor
Long-awaited relief could be on the way for Hilo boaters. The state Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) is working on a dredging project at the Wailoa Small boat harbor in Hilo, Hawaii, which has been a problem for boaters due to sediment build up. The project is set to begin in July once a contractor is selected. The first task will be to remove a shoaled area at the entrance channel that has been causing navigation issues. Lawmakers are considering a bill allowing for regular maintenance of the harbor to avoid extreme build up over time.
Publicado : hace 4 semanas por Mark Carpenter en
HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) - Long-awaited relief could be on the way for Hilo boaters.
The state Department of Land and Natural Resources is making progress on a dredging project at the Wailoa Small boat harbor.
It’s been nearly 10 years since the area was last dredged and recently, it’s been a nightmare for boaters.
Many vessels are unable to get in or out of the harbor at times due to the sediment build up.
DLNR is working with the Army Corps of engineers on securing necessary permits with the hope of starting work in July once a contractor is selected.
“The contractors will be informed that the first thing they gotta do is remove that shoaled area right at the entrance channel that’s causing all the blockages for vessels getting in and out,” said DLNR Division of Boating and Ocean Recreation engineering branch head Finn McCall.
“That’ll be the first thing that will get removed. Within a few weeks, we’re expecting once dredging starts, that’ll be cleared out and navigation will open back up.”
McCall adds that lawmakers are considering a bill that would allow for regular maintenance of the harbor to avoid extreme build up over time.