wildlife inventory and issues affecting kawaihae coral reef
After another powerful flash flood on March 14th, 2026, the bay in Pelekane Bay no longer exists; it has turned into land. I visited again today and confirmed that the ridge of the baymouth bar, or the new beach, now sits above the high-tide line.… Read more “Pelekane Bay Became Land”
We visited Pelekane Bay six days after the heavy rain event on March 14, 2026, part of the Kona Low Storm of 2026. It now has a new beach—a baymouth bar, to be exact—that formed at the mouth of the bay shortly after the floodwaters carried sediment and sand there.… Read more “New beach at Pelekane Bay”
Update 09182027
Road repair is the responsibility of DLNR and not DOT Harbors, according to DOT personnel.
Update 08212024
The images below show the washed-out road near the gulch’s outflow. The road appeared to be constructed on coral fill without protective measures against the potential for flash floods. ( The map base does not show the most current condition).… Read more “Post 05102024 flashfloods brief coral survey”