Officials scrap harbor
plan after opposition

WAILUKU » State harbor officials have abandoned a proposal to expand a Kahului Harbor pier in an area where canoe clubs practice and hold regattas.

The decision follows opposition to the proposal from canoe clubs, some lawmakers and a Maui citizens group that advises Hawaii Gov. Linda Lingle on funding priorities.

"We are thrilled," canoe paddler Karen Chun said. "A big mahalo to everyone who had a hand in creating this wonderful outcome."

In a Jan. 13 letter to Hawaiian Canoe Club member Mahina Martin, state Deputy Harbors Director Barry Fukunaga said the plan to develop Pier 2c had been canceled.

Fukunaga said the decision to eliminate the pier expansion will be reflected in an environmental assessment that will be completed in late January or early February.

He said the pier expansion will also not be included in the master plan for Kahului Harbor.

In addition to support for continued recreational uses in the harbor, Fukunaga said that cargo and cruise ship officials said they did not believe the proposed pier expansion would "satisfy their requirements."

Fukunaga said that based on the responses of various groups, it has been determined that expansion plans for the harbor "should focus on alternative methods, improvements or locations to address the need for additional pier space."

Lingle's citizens advisory committee said rather than building the pier expansion, the state should seek a secondary site within Kahului Harbor to accommodate cruise ships.

Two canoe clubs have clubhouses at the harbor, including Hawaiian Canoe Club, Maui's largest.