DLNR: “Big Maybe” Pohoiki Boat Ramp Reopening Considered

September 19, 2018, 7:56 AM HST

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There is a possibility that the popular Pohoiki Boat Ramp area on Hawaiʻi Island could reopen, but state officials say the likelihood of that happening is a “big maybe.”

The recent Kīlauea eruption in the East Rift Zone resulted in the deposit of 14,000 cubic yards of black sand that completely rings and blocks the entrance to the small boat ramp. The new deposits created a pool around the ramp and seven black sand beaches between MacKenzie and Pohoiki.

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Prior to the latest eruption, four companies with DOBOR commercial permits operated lava ocean tours from the ramp. The tiny bay leading up to the ramp was also a popular swimming spot and ocean-entrance for surfers and other water enthusiasts.

State officials say they could remove the black sand and re-create the entrance to the boat ramp, but that would be dependent on road access being restored, support from the local community, securing permits and funding. Alternate locations are also being considered for a new ramp if the one at Pohoiki cannot be resurrected.

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Finn McCall, an engineer with the DLNR Division of Boating and Ocean Recreation and DOBOR’s Hawai‘i island Branch Manager Stephen Schmelz flew to Pohoiki recently to get a close look at what Kīlauea wrought. “We were here during the eruptive activity in mid-July and fully expected the ramp to be taken within a matter of days. Amazingly, while lava crept to the edge of the neighboring Isaac Hale Beach Park, took the county’s life guard stand, and surrounded the boat ramp off-shore, it’s still here,” Schmelz said.

McCall took measurements on the newly formed, crescent-shaped, black sand beach and in the new pool created by the encirclement. He said, “We have a lot more analysis to do, but it appears, based on our initial assessment, that we could actually remove the black sand and re-create the entrance to the boat ramp.”

Mayor Harry Kim said, “DOBOR is now working closely with the County of Hawai’i on their plans regarding the road and the Beach Park. The County looks forward to working with the State on the development of this area.” There are no estimates now of how much it would cost or a time frame for potential work to begin.

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McCall and Schmelz flew the entire Lower Puna coastline looking for other possible small boat ramp sites, in case Pohoiki can’t be resurrected. They’re reviewing video of the flight to try and identify alternate locations. They believe there may be a couple of options, but like at Pohoiki, a new ramp would require support from the community, permits, road access, and millions of dollars in funding for design and construction.

At MacKenzie, people are taken in by two new sparkling black sand beaches. Prior to the eruption the parks coastline was punctuated by steep, rocky cliffs that dropped precipitously and directly into the ocean. The larger of the pair of beaches is directly below the parking lot and still requires careful navigation down the cliff face. The beauty of the shimmering black sand beaches is underlain with danger. State Parks Caretaker KyleTakeya explained, “There is a powerful undertow at these beaches and a swimmer or boarder could easily be swept out to sea.”

From the northern boundary of MacKenzie SRA, it is just a few-minute walk to the edge of the newly formed lava flow – which remains within a restricted access zone. On the first day of the reopening of MacKenzie, a National Guardsman walked out to the edge of the lava flow and spoke to numerous visitors about the risks and hazards associated with the newly-altered landscape. In addition to the extremely sharp lava which creates unstable footing, there are pockets where the ground may look stable, but is not. Road signs leading into MacKenzie SRA also warn people to be aware of the possibility of continuing volcanic gas emissions.

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DLNR Division of State Parks Administrator Curt Cottrell said, “We’re very pleased to now reopen MacKenzie. It is critically important to enable shoreline access for our local community. As always, we request that people demonstrate responsible behavior and use judgment and common sense when venturing into any areas impacted by the Lower East Rift Zone eruption and avoid promoting excursions on social media – as it only increases the appetite for others often less skilled to follow.”