CIP Funds Released for Projects at Mākena, ʻĪao, Kāʻanapali

Rockfall warning sign at ʻĪao on Maui.

By Wendy Osher

Several Maui projects will benefit from a funding release announced today by the governor for capital improvement projects administered by the state Department of Land and Natural Resources.

Maui projects in the funding release include: beach restoration in Kāʻanapali; rockfall and flood mitigation at ʻĪao Valley State Park; repair and improvement projects at Mākena State Park in South Maui; and design and construction funds for improvements at Kaunakakai, Lahaina and Mānele Small Boat Harbors in Maui County.

The funds are part of a larger $33 million release announced by the governor today for various projects that invest in state parks, boating facilities, hazard mitigation, and watershed protection.

“Hawaiʻi’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,” said Governor Neil Abercrombie in a press release statement. “It is important that we invest in protecting these natural resources and the safety of our residents and visitors who enjoy them year-round.”

Kāʻanapali Beach Restoration and Berm Enhancement:

The funding includes an $800,000 appropriation for beach restoration and berm enhancement at Kāʻanapali Beach in West Maui.

According to the governor, the funds include $400,000 in private contribution funds and$400,000 in special funds under cost sharing Memorandum of Understanding with the Kāʻanapali Operations Associations.

The funds will be used for planning and design to replace 50,000 cubic yards of sand in an effort to restore 3,200 feet of beach in Kāʻanapali.

ʻĪao Valley State Park Rockfall and Flood Mitigation:

The ʻĪao Valley CIP funds fall under a larger $8.75 million appropriation for similar rockfall and flood mitigation projects across the state.

The funding will “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 announcement said.

Other projects in the funding release include: Hanapēpē, Kauaʻi; and Haleʻiwa, Diamond Head, the Pali Lookout, and Makapuʻu, Oʻahu.

Mākena State Park “Big Beach” lifeguard tower, file photo by Wendy Osher.

Makena State Park Repair and Improvement Projects:

The funding for Mākena is part of a larger $6.75 million release for similar CIP projects across the state for repairs and improvements to parks and facility infrastructure.

Other park facilities in the release include: Sand Island State Recreational Area on Oʻahu; Kōkeʻe and Hāʻena State Parks on Kauaʻi; and Hāpuna Beach State Recreational Area on Hawaiʻi Island.

Manele Bay, file photo by Wendy Osher.

Boating Improvements at Kaunakakai, Lahaina and Mānele Small Boat Harbors:

Maui, Molokaʻi and Lānaʻi are all included in boating and ocean recreational funding released for facilities across the state.

The lump sum $11.51 million will be used for design and construction improvements at designated facilities.

Other locations in the funding release include: the loading dock at Kailua-Kona Wharf; Puakō Launch Ramp and Kawaihae Small Boat Harbor-South on Hawaiʻi Island; Sand Island Launch Ramp, along with Ala Wai, Heʻeia, Keʻehi and Waiʻanae Kea Small Boat Harbors on Oʻahu; and Kīkīaola, Nāwiliwili and Port Allen Small Boat Harbors on Kauaʻi.

Other appropriations announced today include $3 million for hazard mitigation at state parks across Hawaiʻi; and $3 million for watershed initiatives across the state to protect forest lands and watersheds from non-native species.