Big Island's Kailua Pier to be repaired

Advertiser Staff and News Services

KAILUA, Hawai'i — Gov. Ben Cayetano has released $3 million to repair Kailua Pier in Kailua Bay.

The pier supports a range of tourist-oriented ocean activities, from sports fishing to shuttles serving cruise ships and glass-bottom boat tours.

A 42-foot portion of the structure was condemned in 1999 for safety reasons.

State Sen. Lorraine Inouye, D-1st (Hamakua, South Kohala, North Kona), said at least $600,000 more will be needed for basic repairs to the state facility.

"While it might be most prudent to reconstruct the entire pier, the current budget cannot accommodate the expense," Inouye said.

Safety improvements and continued use of the pier are the next best alternative, she said.

Almost $600,000 already has been spent for repair studies and designs.

The pier was established in 1915 as a dock for shipping Kona cattle to market. The current structure was built in 1952.