State to Discuss Hāna Pier Improvements

Hāna pier, file photo 2008 by Wendy Osher.

By Wendy Osher

The Hawai‘i Department of Transportation, Harbors Division announced plans to host an informational meeting to discuss proposed improvements to Hāna Pier in East Maui.

According to the announcement, the department is preparing an environmental assessment to address potential impacts of improvements, and is seeking public comment on both impacts and alternatives.

The meeting will be held at 5 p.m. on Wednesday, July 10th at Helene Hall in Hāna.  The gathering begins with an open house at 5 p.m., a presentation at 5:30 p.m., and a question and answer session to follow.

Hāna Boat Ramp, file photo 2008 by Wendy Osher.

In 2008, Hāna Harbor was transferred from the Hawai‘i Department of Land and Natural Resources, to the Department of Transportation, Harbors Division.

State officials explained that while small boat harbor ramp facilities were excluded from the transfer, Hāna was included, “due to its risk of isolation” should the Hāna Highway become severely damaged or impassable.

The law was also implemented to allow for the modernization of commercial harbors.

In the years since, a Hāna Harbor Development Plan was completed that included recommendations for improvements to Hāna Pier.

***Supporting information courtesy State of Hawaiʻi, Department of Transportation.

Hāna pier, file photo 2008, by Wendy Osher.