DLNR to provide update on damaged Keawakapu Reef
The Governor’s Council of Neighbor Island Advisors for Maui meets at 5 p.m. tonight, (Thursday, April 15, 2010) at the Kihei Community Center. The guest speaker this month is DLNR Director Laura Thielen who will discuss the restoration of the reef at Keawakapu which was damaged in December.
Courtesy Image.
The artificial reef was established in 1962 and consists of 150 cars, 2,250 tire modules, 35 concrete slabs, and the St. Anthony vessel that have been deployed over time. The latest addition to the artificial reef was concrete Z-modules deployed in December 2009.
The modules weighing 2,800 lbs each, and measuring eight feet by four feet by one foot, were deployed on December 2, 2009. A barge from American Marine deployed 1,400 modules during the effort. However, during the deployment, a number of modules were accidentally dropped on live coral reef habitat.
Between January 5 and 7, 2010, NOAA and FWS biologists completed a total of 14 survey dives on the injury site. Of the reported 1,400 modules deployed, 125 were found to have landed partially or totally on coral reef habitat.
Findings and recommendations were released on March 16th following an independent federal investigation. The complete report is available at the following link: http://hawaii.gov/dlnr/dar/pdf/keawakapu.pdf
Thielen will also provide an update on the department’s Recreation Renaissance Program aimed at improving and enhancing state parks, trails, and small boat harbors.
Governor Linda Lingle created councils of neighbor island advisors to give neighbor island residents a stronger voice in state government. The Governor’s Council of Neighbor Island Advisors for Maui holds monthly public meetings to seek community input, advise the Governor of important issues and make recommendations for state boards and commissions.
Members are: Madge Schaefer (chair), Kathryn Ghean, John Henry, Lori Ululani Sablas, Gail K. Takeuchi and Leona Rocha Wilson.
Anyone requiring special accommodations to participate at this meeting may call 243-5796 for assistance.
(Posted by Wendy Osher)
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