Rep. McKelvey Seeks Temporary Suspension of Honoapiʻilani Seawall Project

September 17, 2016, 9:44 AM HST
* Updated September 17, 9:50 AM

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Representative Angus McKelvey (West Maui, Māʻalaea, Kīhei) sent a letter to Governor David Ige on Friday, asking him to suspend the Department of Transportation’s work on the Honoapiʻilani Highway seawall near Olowalu. Rep. McKelvey said he made the request, “so a cooling off period can be used to ensure that the concerns of the community are given a fair hearing.”

“The DOT’s plan to construct a seawall and place boulders along the highway to protect it from erosion has drawn criticism and protests by Maui residents, Mayor Arakawa and members of the County Council,” he said.

In his letter, McKelvey said that the project has raised concerns among the community regarding the project’s impact on the environment, on Hawaiian Monk Seals that are in the area and on ocean recreational activities.

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“It is my intention to introduce legislation during the 2017 regular session to establish a working group to bring relevant government officials and community stakeholders together to study the potential impact of the project and possible revisions or alternatives to the project to eliminate or mitigate its potential adverse impacts,” said Rep. McKelvey.

“In light of this intent to obtain a consensus-based solution to this situation, I strongly urge you to direct the Department of Transportation to temporarily suspend activity on this project until such time as a working group can be convened and recommendations made,” McKelvey added.