State awards contract
to dredge Maunalua Bay,
despite objections

Associated Press

The state Board of Land and Natural Resources has awarded a contract to a company to dredge Maunalua Bay in East Oahu, despite objections from people who say the project only benefits wealthy boaters.

The contract allows North Pacific Construction Inc. to dredge the mouth of the bay, allowing boaters easier access to their private Hawaii Kai marina.

Opponents argue the project will cause further siltation and erosion in the bay, while others say it is unfair to use public funds to maintain a private marina.

Boaters supporting the project say silt build-up has led to closure of three of the four entrances to the marina. They say businesses in the marina bring in more than $3 million a year, and are deserving of state assistance.

"Literally our ocean recreation users take their lives into their hands as they enter and exit Maunalua Bay to get to the ocean," dredging supporter Hugh Fraser said.

The state Legislature allocated $200,000 in 1993 to dredge the harbor. The project also includes replenishing the bay shore with new sand, and building an anti-erosion barrier.

The state has not dredged the bay since the marina was built more than 30 years ago.