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DEPARTMENT OF LAND AND NATURAL RESOURCES News Release LINDA LINGLE GOVERNOR _________________________________________________________________________________________________________
PETER T. YOUNG, CHAIRPERSON
Phone: (808) 587-0401
Fax: (808) 587-0390
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For Immediate Release:
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The Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) is postponing the Kuhio Beach Replenishment Project until fall of this year due to the onset of seasonal high surf. DLNR designed the project to maximize the efficiency of the 30-day window required to complete the project. With the onset of summer, the probability of a south swell hampering or delaying the project is greatly increased. The replenishment project was slated to begin three weeks ago but because of the recent beach closures and water quality in the immediate area, it was delayed. Dr. Chiyome Fukino of Hawaii's Department of Health said "All available evidence suggests that the beaches are as safe now as before the sewage spill. The water quality has returned to normal, and we have not received reports of unusual numbers of illness." "After consulting with the Department of Health, we decided we could move forward, however our narrow operating window in March and April has now passed us and we are rescheduling" said Peter Young, DLNR Chairperson. "It is difficult to justify undertaking this project now, when the south swells will severely impact working conditions offshore and likely cause costly delays," he continued. Kuhio Beach has undergone beach replenishment since 1939 when the north section of the Kuhio beach breakwater was built. The project is intended to stabilize and increase the size of Kuhio Beach, improve water quality and public safety, and demonstrate state-of-the-art offshore sand pumping technologies for future beach restoration efforts. "We hoped, and still believe, this pilot pumping project will demonstrate a cost efficient way to protect and nourish Kuhio Beach and many other beaches across the state," said Young. "The department will renegotiate the necessary contracts, secure the proper permits and we will undertake this project in the fall when conditions are favorable again," he concluded.
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