HONOLULU -- The Department of Land and Natural Resources has announced the closure of B dock at Ala Wai Small Boat Harbor in preparation for replacement of the floating dock.

This project is included in the $4.19 million released by Gov. Linda Lingle for capital improvement projects at Ala Wai Small Boat Harbor, including the replacement of docks B, C and D; transient docks; and the row 700 and row 500 docks, as well as land infrastructure upgrades.

Each of the floating docks and piers will be taken out of service in rotation, so existing harbor tenants can be temporarily relocated but still accommodated in the harbor during the replacement project.

"In recent years, failing piers caused slips to be taken out of service," said Laura H. Thielen, DLNR chairperson. "At the expected completion of this project in March of 2009, we will have replaced a total of 240 slips, or approximately 30 percent of slips at this harbor, thus improving safety, general appearance and providing Ala Wai Harbor boaters with better, modern facilities.

"Coupled with the department's recent parking fee update, these improvements should bring the Ala Wai small boat harbor closer to generating self-sustaining income," said Thielen.

In this phase of harbor improvements, DLNR will first demolish B dock, build the new B dock then relocate boats from C and D docks to the B dock.

The following phase will involve concurrent demolition and construction of new C and D docks.

DLNR this week issued notices for B dock tenants to relocate to the new F dock that just opened for use in January of this year. Money for replacement of the F dock as well as for design of new B, C and D docks and transient piers was included in the release of $1,650,000 in March 2006.

DLNR's engineering staff will be putting the B, C and D dock project out to bid shortly.

The department plans to return every tenant to their original slip along the newly replaced docks once the project has been completed.

For additional details on the rotation of boats and construction, harbor tenants may call 973-9727 or visit the harbor office Tuesday through Saturday from 7:45 a.m. to 4 p.m. The office is closed on Sundays, Mondays and State holidays.

The Administration is requesting an additional $10 million in its fiscal year 2009 supplemental budget to continue repair and maintenance of small boat harbors statewide.

The Division of Boating and Ocean Recreation operates and manages 21 harbors, 50 ramps, 2,122 moorings and berths and 19 piers across the state. The division works in close partnership with DLNR's Division of Conservation and Resources Enforcement and the U.S. Coast Guard to make nearshore waters safe. The division is also responsible for registering all vessels in Hawai'i which are not documented by the U.S. Coast Guard and for regulating and permitting surf meets, canoe and yachting regattas, ocean swimming events and other ocean events with the concurrence of the U.S. Coast Guard.