Big Island boat harbor dredging to affect channel use | The Honolulu Advertiser

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Big Island boat harbor dredging to affect channel use | The Honolulu Advertiser | Hawaii's Newspaper

Updated at 7:16 a.m., Tuesday, April 3, 2007

Big Island boat harbor dredging to affect channel use

Advertiser Staff

Dredging of the Big Island's Wailoa small boat harbor, beginning Thursday, will cause temporary modifications for channel use, the Department of Land and Natural Resources said.

The DLNR released a modified access channel that alternates with active channel dredging:

The entrance channel will be closed during dredge barge operating hours, Monday to Thursday, except for state holidays, 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. 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 (808) 933-0414, or e-mail at dlnr.bd.wailoaharbor@hawaii.gov

The dredged material will be dewatered at the adjacent Hilo Bayfront Beach Park, and when "dry" will be trucked to a state-owned parcel along Kamehameha Avenue and Manono Street, DLNR said.

The dredged material, which consists mainly of sand, will be tested and stockpiled for future use.

Part of the Bayfront Beach Park closest to the harbor will be closed to the public during the dredging and the makai portion of the parking lot in the Wailoa Small Boat Harbor will be utilized by the contractor for equipment and material storage.

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