We confirm that preparatory work for the harbor’s future development/improvement has begun. In September 2024, AECOM flew its drones to do aerial surveys of the coral flats as part of the state-wide photometry survey for sea level rise modeling. Yesterday, a ground survey crew was in the area. They were surveying the areas encompassed in the planned improvements and, likely, a new pier proposed in the HI Commercial Harbors Masterplan 2035 for Kawaihae Harbor.
USACE was also present with divers and crew conducting survey of the dolphin piers. The first pier, closet to shore is to be demolished and the others repaired. The third pier was severely damaged as reported here.
Survey works are a prerequisite to design and planning. We know that $25 million was awarded to Kawaihae Harbor for its projects. However, HDOT has not been transparent with its projects for the Kawaihae Harbor. There is no informational signage regarding its plans available to the public. We had requested State Representative Tarnas on November 8, 2019, for signage to inform the public about HDOT projects that will negatively impact public resources: beach access and coral reef. There is still no signage. We want signs at the harbor entrances telling the public of HDOT’s plans to destroy their reef and beach.