The state Department of Land and Natural Resources expects to complete construction by the end of this week of a temporary wooden finger pier at the boat launch ramp in Kaunakakai Harbor..

The work is being done by an in-house, four-man crew of workers from the Maui District of DLNR's Division of Boating and Ocean Recreation. The work began on March 13.

The temporary pier replaces a cement catwalk adjoining the boat ramp that collapsed in February.

Meanwhile, design has started on the permanent replacement of the catwalk with an Americans with Disabilities Act-compliant, aluminum frame and recycled plastic loading dock. Design is expected to take about six months.

The Division of Boating and Ocean Recreation will seek a Federal Boating Access funding grant for the permanent replacement, which may take between 12 to 18 months to obtain. The permanent pier could be installed within a year's time after that.