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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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HONOLULU — The Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) tonight will complete its project to replenish sand at Kuhio Beach, with the distribution and finish grading of the last of the sand it has pumped onto the beach from offshore sand deposits. DLNR’s contractor American Marine Corporation, a local dredging company, finished pumping the targeted amount of 10,000 cubic yards of sand on December 30, and this week is completing the placement of the sand along Kuhio Beach. Despite short delays due to unseasonable high south swells, the project was completed within the expected 20 to 30 day timeframe. “This has been a great opportunity to demonstrate the cost-effectiveness of new, state-of-the-art offshore sand pumping technologies to reclaim beach sand from nearshore deposits,” said Peter Young, DLNR chairperson. “With proper planning, this technology can be a valid option for beach restoration in other suitable locations that have experienced beach erosion,” Young said. The project cost approximately $475,000, with state funding from the DLNR- Land Development Fund. Rick Egged, president of the Waikiki Improvement Association, said “The economic importance of Waikiki to the state’s economy is well-documented. A project like this is an excellent example of the importance of ongoing beach maintenance at one of Hawaii’s best-known beaches and visitor destinations.” OCCL administrator Sam Lemmo notes, “Beaches are just as important as wetlands, forests, and parks, but they are quickly becoming endangered from neglect or abuse. In 50 to 100 years, many of Hawaii’s beaches may be lost, unless we take steps today to save them. That will require political will, long-term planning and money.” “The renourishment of Waikiki beach is but one of many different ways to save Hawaii’s beaches. The OCCL is currently developing a comprehensive beach management plan that will look 50 to 100 years into the future. The plan would identify the state’s most threatened beaches and would provide a range of tools within “beach management districts,” designed to ensure the survival of the beaches for future generations. These would be called “legacy beaches,” Lemmo said. Some of these initiatives include beach restoration in places such as Waikiki and Ka‘anapali, as well as the integration of all shoreline management functions under one agency. Where beach restoration is not feasible on high-energy shorelines like Oahu’s North Shore, structures may need to be relocated landward. The OCCL also develops public education programs, publishes manuals, and distributes information and guidelines on sand management alternatives, remedial erosion control measures, the proper siting of coastal structures, and general advice for anyone facing erosion problems. Through these programs and efforts, the OCCL hopes to provide the necessary tools to the next generation of coastal managers that will enable them to protect our coastal communities and beaches from erosion hazards. For information on the Kuhio Beach nourishment project, and Coastal Lands Division, go to the DLNR Office of Conservation and Coastal Lands web site at http://www.hawaii.gov/dlnr/occl/waikiki.php # # #
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