Improvements planned at Maalaea Small Boat Harbor

Proposed improvements at the Ma’alaea Small Boat Harbor will be the focus of a meeting hosted by the state Department of Land and Natural Resources.  The project includes the construction of a new ferry terminal building at the end of the South Mole, a new comfort station and waste water treatment system, sewer pump-outs, concrete paving, piers, and electrical and utility upgrades.

Maalaea Harbor. File image by Wendy Osher.

The meeting will be held on Wednesday, May 19 from 6 to 7:30 p.m. on the ground floor of the “Sea Flight” building, at 101 Ma‘alaea Boat Harbor Road. DLNR Engineering and Boating and Ocean Recreation divisions’ staff and the project consultant will brief meeting attendees on the planned project and answer questions.

“Our small boat harbors offer a vital connection to recreational and commercial ocean activities.  It is important that they be kept in good working condition.  By repairing the heavily used Ma‘alaea Small Boat Harbor, the boaters, community and visitors will have a safer, cleaner and more hospitable facility, and enjoy greater access to the ocean that surrounds our islands,” said Laura H. Thielen, DLNR chairperson.

The project, which will be funded through federal grants administered by the Federal Transit Administration and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Services, and state funds, will re-build a major portion of the small boat harbor, replace badly deteriorated facilities, and correct public health and safety concerns.  It is also aimed at providing the boaters with easily accessible sewer pump-out systems to dispose of their sewage instead of disposal by other means.

DLNR’s Engineering Division will advertise the project for bids this month and open the bids in June 2010.