Public Discussion on Lahaina Small Boat Harbor Dredging

Lahaina Harbor, file photo by Wendy Osher.

By Wendy Osher

A public meeting is planned this Friday to discuss two upcoming projects at the Lahaina Small Boat Harbor in West Maui.

State Senator Roz Baker, Representative Angus McKelvey, and the State Department of Land and Natural Resources, Division of Boating and Ocean Recreation will host the meeting, set for 2 p.m. at the Pioneer Inn Courtyard in Lahaina.

One project involves maintenance and dredging of the harbor to remove shallow areas in the entrance channel, and a portion of the Carthaginian pier.

The project was identified as a priority item during a September DLNR listening session in which mariners complained about the sand deposits, saying the problem was caused by the surge from the March 11, 2011 tsunami and subsequent swells.

Officials say the dredge material will be transported by barge and off-loaded at the Mala Boat Ramp. Mala photo by Wendy Osher.

Officials say the dredge material will be transported by barge and off-loaded at the Mala Boat Ramp.  The material will be de-watered and temporarily stored in an unpaved area adjacent to the Kahomo Stream drainage channel and Mala Ramp parking area.

Another planned project, the Marginal Pier and Utility Improvements Project, seeks to replace the badly deteriorated 800-foot long outer wooden marginal wharf.

Project contractors and DLNR staff will be available after the meeting to answer questions related to both projects.