DEPARTMENT OF LAND AND NATURAL RESOURCES

News Release

LINDA LINGLE

GOVERNOR

_________________________________________________________________________________________________________

PETER T. YOUNG, CHAIRPERSON

Phone: (808) 587-0401

Fax: (808) 587-0390

_________________________________________________________________________________________________________

For Immediate Release: April 2, 2007

DLNR Notifying Boaters Of Channel Dredging
Expected To Start Next Phase At Wailoa Harbor April 5

HILO -- The Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) is notifying boaters that dredging work within the Wailoa small boat harbor entrance channel will tentatively begin on Thursday, April 5, with the arrival of a dredge barge.

"A barge is coming to take on the next phase of dredging; unfortunately it is being repaired and the dredging is delayed. Until the barge arrives, Wailoa Harbor users may continue to enjoy uninhibited use of the harbor," said Peter Young, DLNR Chairperson. “However, once the barge arrives and is on site to work in the entrance channel, a modified schedule for access will be followed.”

“While it is important to complete this project as soon as possible, we have arranged with our contractor during this next phase to provide access for boaters to enter and exit the harbor, on a limited basis that works around the construction schedule,” said Young.

Arrival of the barge has been delayed due to mechanical problems which needed to be fixed by DLNR’s contractor, American Marine Corp.

DLNR’s Division of Boating and Ocean Recreation has posted signs at the Wailoa harbor launch ramp (which remains open) and in the harbor to advise boaters that the harbor mouth is open --until the barge arrives and is stationed in the entrance channel. When the dredge barge is in place and operating, the channel will not be accessible to vessels.

Following is the modified access schedule that will alternate with active channel dredging:

The entrance channel will be closed during dredge barge operating hours, Monday to Thursday, except for state holidays, during daytime hours from 7 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. for the duration of the project, which is expected to be completed in May.

The entrance channel will be opened when the dredge barge stops operating on weekends -- on Friday, Saturday and Sunday, and state holidays.

It will also be opened overnight, from 3:30 p.m. to 7 a.m. on Monday through Thursday. For emergency access to the harbor, boaters should call the contractor on VHF Channel 69.

Boaters utilizing the launch ramp and/or harbor should exit before 7 a.m. and return after 3:30 p.m., as the barge will block the harbor entrance channel.

Boaters needing more information about the project may contact Glenn Mayeda, Wailoa Harbor Agent at 933-0414, or via e-mail at dlnr.bd.wailoaharbor@hawaii.gov

Since January, DLNR contractor American Marine Corp. has been doing maintenance dredging of the harbor mouth using land-based equipment. The access channel was kept clear and open for vessel use in the project's off hours.

This project is needed to remove shoaled areas which have created a navigational hazard. Approximately 25,000 cubic yards of material will be removed from the entrance channel and outer portion of the Wailoa Small Boat Harbor.

The dredged material will be dewatered at the adjacent Hilo Bayfront Beach Park, and when “dry” will be trucked to a State-owned parcel located along Kamehameha Avenue and Manono Street. The dredged material, which consists mainly of sand will be tested and stockpiled for future use.

For the duration of this project, a portion of the Bayfront Beach Park closest to the harbor will be closed to the public. Also, the makai portion of the parking lot in the Wailoa Small Boat Harbor will be utilized by the contractor for equipment and material storage.

# # #

For more information, media may contact:
Deborah Ward
DLNR Public Information Office
Phone: (808) 587-0320