State to Break Ground on Hana Boat Ramp Improvements

By Wendy Osher

Groundbreaking for a $3.8 million improvement project at Hana Boat Ramp begins next week.  A ceremony marking the start of the project will take place at noon on Thursday, December 23, followed by an informational meeting from 1-2 p.m. to address community concerns.

Hana Pier. File Photo by Wendy OSHER.

Photo of Hana Bay 2/27/10 courtesy: Kapena Kalama.

Work includes the replacement for the existing boat launch ramp and inner rock revetment; installation of new security lighting; and construction of a new aluminum loading dock and accessible ramp/walkway next to the boat ramp.

The Hana ramp and wharf is located in East Maui, 59 miles from Wailuku.  State officials say they are pleased to finally implement the project for Maui’s remote Hana community.

“The Hana Boat Ramp is essential for the residents of the Hana and visitors to gain safe and easy access to ocean for recreational opportunities, commercial and subsistence fishing,” said DLNR Chairperson, William Aila, Jr.

The existing rock revetment has undergone numerous past repairs, and is undermined in multiple places.  Navigation hazards have also surfaced from pile butts and boulders that have eroded from the breakwater near the boat ramp.

New Construction materials were selected for their durability, low maintenance and strength to withstand the harsh marine environment.

Plans call for the construction of a new aluminum loading dock to be built adjacent to the boat ramp.  The new dock will be built will corrosion-resistant material, and will be topped with fiber reinforced plastic grating to allow wave energy to flow through the dock instead of becoming trapped beneath it.

When complete, the dock will be 72-feet long, and 8-feet wide, with two new light poles to illuminate the new loading dock and fenced off entrance to the Hana Wharf.

The project was designed by Shigemura, Lau, Sakanashi, Higuchi and Associates, Inc and was awarded to Abhe & Svoboda, Inc.

(Posted by Wendy Osher, supporting information courtesy State of Hawaii, Harbors)