Heads up, Hawai‘i Kai boaters and beach buffs: a new wave of improvements is rolling into Maunalua Bay. Slated to begin July 28, the shores near the Maunalua Bay Boat Ramp are getting a much-needed touch-up, with dredging and construction work on the agenda.
According to a post by the Hawaii DLNR, the Division of Boating and Ocean Recreation (DOBOR) will be spearheading this project. They're hosting a pre-construction meeting July 25 at 3 p.m. for those with a stake in the game to get their intel straight from the horse's mouth.
The sand dug up from the boat ramp won’t be wasted. It will be used to strengthen nearby shorelines damaged by erosion. To keep the sand in place, they will install sheet pile walls. This helps protect the shoreline from strong tides while cleaning up the area.
According to the Hawaii DLNR, Meghan Statts, the DOBOR Administrator, shared their enthusiasm about the project, saying, "We’re excited to get started on this project, which will greatly benefit users who frequent Maunalua Bay and use the ramp regularly."
With American Marine Corporation winning the $6.8 million contract, they're on a tight schedule with eyes set on an April 2026 project completion date. Boat ramp users, you can breathe easy; no closures are expected throughout the works. However, do anticipate the occasional hiccup in access as they juggle keeping things open with getting the job done. Stay alert for any temporary changes if you're planning a visit.
