Flood channel causes
concern for Lanai beach

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By Gary T. Kubota
gkubota@starbulletin.com

WAILUKU >> A group of Lanai residents say they are worried about the potential impact of flooding on the Manele-Hulopoe Marine Life Conservation District.

Ron McOmber, a spokesman for Lanaians for Sensible Growth, said a channel was cut into a portion of Hulopoe beach by floodwaters in January and this month, allowing considerable ponding in the area and runoff into the ocean.

The Hulopoe shoreline near the Manele Bay Hotel is the main beach used by residents and visitors on Lanai.

The beach park is owned by Castle & Cooke Resorts LLC. As part of its county permit, Castle & Cooke allows the public to use the park and is responsible for maintaining it. "I want to know how they're going to clean it up," McOmber said.

Jason Koga, a state land district agent, said the company is seeking emergency authorization to fill in the channel because it poses a hazard to beachgoers. Koga said state Department of Land & Natural Resources officials will have to review the request.

Company spokeswoman Sweetie Nelson said most of the beach is in good shape and that the bay is already clear of the runoff.

Nelson said the area experienced 10 to 12 inches of rain in three days earlier this month -- an unusual amount for that area of the island.

Residents said the current channel is in the vicinity of a former channel that was filled in by the company.