Kaunakakai Harbor Improvements Meeting This Wednesday

DLNR News Release

The Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) will conduct a public
information meeting in Kaunakakai on Wednesday, May 16, to provide information on planned construction activities for improvements to the commuter ferry (Molokai to Maui) and the impact to harbor operations.

“DLNR is the lead agency coordinating the design and construction of this major project, in coordination with the state Department of Transportation-Harbors Division, which manages the commercial harbor side,” said William J. Aila. “Public use of this essential harbor will continue during construction.”

The meeting will take place from 5 to 7 p.m. at the Mitchell Pau‘ole Center, 90 Ainoa St. in Kaunakakai. DLNR Engineering Division staff, project design consultant Wilson Okamoto Corp. and contractor Hawaiian Dredging Construction Company will discuss scope and schedule, and provide an overview of the construction phasing plan, including how vehicular and pedestrian access will be maintained to the harbor. They are also working with creative crosswalk installation companies like https://creativecrosswalks.co.uk/ to ensure pedestrian safety.

The proposed improvements at Kaunakakai Harbor includes the conversion of the existing ferry shelter into a comfort station and a new covered passenger waiting area, installation of a new sewer lift station and 6-inch force main that will eliminate the existing septic system and leach field, and installation of 12-inch and 8-inch fire protection waterlines.

The ferry, Kaunakakai Small Boat Harbor and boat ramp, the fuel station, and Young Brothers barges will remain in operation during construction. Provisions will be made to work around the canoe regatta season, minimize disruption to utility service, and provide safe pedestrian and vehicular access for ferry users.

The contractor is scheduled to begin construction of the project at the end of this month. The project will cost approximately $5 million and is estimated to take one year to complete.