A long-discussed proposal to build a small boat harbor, ramp and breakwater at Mahukona Beach Park resurfaced.
Hawaii County and federal officials will gauge the preferences of local residents next month as they present options for what would be a partnership between the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and the county Department of Parks and Recreation on the $5 million to $7 million project.
The proposed breakwater would shelter a new boat ramp capable of launching vessels up to 25 feet in length. The project would contain a navigation channel, turning basin and other features that Army Corps officials will present along with the costs, benefits and impacts of different harbor configurations contained in the federally funded plan in Kapaau next month.
“We want to hear from as many people as possible to make sure we make the right decision,” said Parks and Recreation spokesman Jason Armstrong.
North Kohala residents supported the concept of the harbor at a January 2013 meeting, so long as current activities such as swimming and camping were allowed to continue in the area.
The concrete wharf at Mahukona was damaged by high surf in January, and winter storms repeatedly have pounded the area throughout the years.
An aging hoist is limited to lifting boats 18 feet in length or less and is unsafe to use even in moderate wave conditions because of its exposed location.
Parks and Recreation requested navigation improvements in North Kohala in 2003. But two other studies for boat launching facilities for North Kohala date back to 1975 and 1990.
Both of those plans were scuttled because of a lack of county and state contributions to project costs, according to the Army Corps.
A 2008 Feasibility Cost Sharing Agreement between the county and the feds specifies the county’s responsibility for owning and maintaining the structure, if it is built.
The closest alternative boat ramp for North Kohala residents is at Kawaihae, about 15 miles from Mahukona.
The public meeting is scheduled for 5-7 p.m. June 18 at Kamehameha Park Intergenerational Center in Kapaau.
Email Bret Yager at byager@westhawaiitoday.com.
