Lana'i harbor may benefit if full Senate approves bill

Associated Press

Kaumalapau Harbor on Lana'i may get $2.5 million for a new breakwater under a bill unanimously approved yesterday by the U.S. Senate Appropriations Committee.

The committee approved the money and an additional $11.5 million destined for initiatives that benefit Hawai'i's water resources. The money, in the appropriations bill for the Department of Energy and for water development, still needs approval by the full Senate.

Sen. Daniel Inouye, D-Hawai'i, said in a news release issued by his Washington office that Lana'i is dependent on the harbor for the delivery of supplies, but rough seas and surge conditions make it dangerous for barge traffic to enter and berth.

"As a result of safety concerns, contractors have threatened to terminate delivery of goods and services to Lana'i," he said. "It is essential that the new breakwater be constructed."

He said the rubble mound breakwater for the harbor basin was originally 400 feet long but has eroded to 200 feet.

So far, $6.2 million has been appropriated to the $15 million project.

Also included in the bill is $1 million for the Hawai'i Water Management Project, which will improve irrigation systems in drought-stricken regions in the state. More than $200,000 will go to restore sand to Waikiki Beach after years of erosion.

Money will also go to help build a flood-control system at '?ao Stream on Maui, to collect coastal field data and to improve hurricane precautions in the Islands.