Māla Wharf Blessing Today, 60 Day Closure Starts Monday

Māla Boat Ramp, photo courtesy State of Hawaiʻi, Office of the Governor.

By Wendy Osher

A ground breaking blessing ceremony is slated to take place today at Māla Boat Ramp in advance of a two-month repair project at the site.

The $1.1 million project calls for the replacement of two existing concrete loading docks and repairs to the boat ramp, and is expected to take approximately 60 days to complete.

Māla Wharf, photo courtesy DLNR.

In previous reports, officials described the docks as “old” and “badly deteriorated” and advised that the docks need to be replaced before they become a safety hazard.

The project is scheduled to start on Monday and will result in the closure of the work area to the public for the duration, until May 16, 2014.

Officials with the state Department of Land and Natural Resources say no launching or retrieving of vessels will be allowed at Māla after 7:30 a.m. on Monday March 17, 2014.

Māla Wharf, photo courtesy DLNR.

The repairs were scheduled to accommodate heavy use during the holiday season and seasonal access to certain fish stocks earlier this year.

Representative Angus McKelvey, who represents the West Maui area where the ramp is located, said the upgrade is much needed and thanked the boating community for their patience during the repairs.

“I would like to thank the entire boating community for their patience, cooperation, and understanding in helping us facilitate this much needed upgrade and repair project for the Mala Wharf,” said McKelvey.

Māla Wharf, photo courtesy DLNR.

“We stand committed on working with the community to ensure that the project is completed as quickly and safely as possible with minimal disruption to both residents and ramp users alike,” he said.

During the 60-day closure, contractor Goodfellow Bros. Inc. will put up a security gate to prevent entry to the launch ramp parking area and construction staging area.  This includes the south side of the washdown to the north entrance of the harbor, according to DLNR officials.

State officials say boats with current commercial permits for the ram will be allowed to operate out of Lahaina small boat harbor during the project period.