HILO, Hawaii (KHON2) -- A $3.1 million dredging operation started on Monday is set to be completed by the end of 2024, DLNR announce Tuesday.
Since the Pohoiki ramp incident during the 2018 Kīlauea eruption, dredging at Wailoa has become a serious concern for Hawai‘i Island boaters.
The DNLR Division of Boating and Ocean Recreation (DOBOR) aims to conduct dredging operations in small boat harbors every five to eight years. These operations depend on location, sediment build up and funding.
DOBOR Engineer Finn McCall explained, “It’s a multistep process. The first thing that has to happen is funds have to be allocated. Once the funds are appropriated there then has to be a request to release the funds and that takes time. Only when the funds are released can we actually begin actions on a project. That includes design, permitting, and environmental reviews.”
This week, a shore-based excavator and front-end loader should be expected to work along the shoreline. Also, in the next few weeks, a barge carrying an excavator could result in short closures as the barge moves around the area.
“The frequency of dredging really depends on the amount of debris and sediment that flows into a harbor. That material can block boats and create safety hazards. We’re excited this project is underway and ask for everyone’s continued patience as the work proceeds over the next few months.” DOBOR Administrator Meghan Statts said.