The Lahaina Harbor maintenance dredging project has been approved and is moving forward with an expected completion by the end of 2017, according to State Representative Angus McKelvey.
Maui Now reports that the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has issued a conditional permit to begin the essential emergency maintenance dredging of the Lahaina Small Boat Harbor in order to ensure that this area can be cleared.
“In 2012, when material buildup in the channel caused shoaling and created a danger for maritime traffic, we removed about 6,000 cubic yards of material from both Lahaina Harbor and Māla Wharf,” McKelvey said. “Now, to ensure safety and access, we have to dredge the channel again, which is why the Corps of Engineers approval is so important.”
“Because we are merely removing sediment that has been deposited since the last dredging was done, there will be no impact to the surrounding marine environment. Like before, the shallow depth of the harbor was causing safety conditions with large-wave shoaling in the entrance, which creates a dangerous environment for boats coming in and out of the harbor.”
The start of the Lahaina Harbor maintenance dredging scheme is set for May.
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