Proposed pier seen as boost to surf access

But critics fear loss of ‘Harbors’ break from dredging

By MELISSA TANJI, Staff Writer
LAHAINA — Consultants for the proposed Lahaina Small Boat Harbor Ferry Pier said the project would provide access for surfers to the “Harbors” surf site and would not damage the surf break.

Coral removed from the ocean where the new pier will be located will be transplanted to restore another section of reef as well.

The new ferry pier would also alleviate safety issues and ease congestion at the harbor, said Mich Hirano, of Munekiyo & Hiraga, which prepared a draft environmental impact statement for the proposed project.

Around 50 people attended a public informational meeting on the draft environmental impact statement Wednesday night at the West Maui Senior Center.

The proposed $8.16 million project will be approximately 60 feet to the north of the existing pier. Extending 115-feet long and 35-feet wide, the pier will rest on piles and will be able to accommodate around 100 passengers disembarking from vessels on two sides.

The facility would also include an open-sided structure for shade and shelter for pier users.

The design of the pier has been scaled back over the years over concerns from the community. Originally the pier would have included a two-story structure with offices and concessions.

Audience members on Wednesday disputed the findings from the study and pointed out what they said could be potential problems, including the possibility of damage to surf sites, damage to coral, disruptions for Lahaina Public Library patrons as well as increased traffic.

A Hawaiian activist also objected to the proposed plan saying there was enough development in Lahaina.

“You guys are going to ruin one of the best surf spots on Maui,” said surfer and businessman Neal Norris.

Even though Norris, owner of Valley Isle Surfboards, was told nearby surf spots Keawa‘iki and ‘Uo will not be impacted, he insisted the dredging would affect the surf.

Other audience members questioned the dredging of coral especially since 2008 is being observed as the “Year of the Reef,” aimed at raising awareness of loss of coral reefs.

Yolanda Dizon questioned how can the state can “compensate” for dredging coral for the project. She and other audience members said the marine coastal environmental consultants for the project should go back and do their studies again and physically go to the harbor to “check it out.”

There were other concerns about an already tight parking situation for patrons of the Lahaina library as well as the new pier bringing more traffic in the area.

Dredging would be largely at the harbor end of the entrance channel, while the reef alongside the channel where the surf break occurs would be unaffected, the draft environmental study said.

Hirano told the audience the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service recommended that the coral removed from the pier site be restored to other reef areas near the harbor.

He said most of the material to be dredged would be sand.

According to the draft document, 2,720 square feet of reef flat would be dredged. Coral removed form the site could be used to restore sections of the reef off the harbor breakwater where a sailboat, the Dolphin, has been aground since 2004, it said.

Hirano said four new parking stalls will be created along Papelekane Street near the Lahaina library, although they will not be marked for library patrons.

He emphasized the new pier is to handle existing ferry services to Molokai and Lanai and is not intended for new services.

Lahaina Harbormaster Hal Silva said there will be a surfers’ access platform on one end of the new ferry pier. The platform will be accessible even when cruise ship tenders arrive at the harbor.

Now, the pier is off-limits to surfers when cruise ship tenders arrive in the harbor because of security requirements, but the tenders will continue to dock at the old pier.

The proposed project will also include:

• Construction of two sewage pump-out stations.

• Construction of a concrete pedestrian walkway to connect the existing pier with the new pier.

• Replacement of the existing administration office and ferry ticket booth.

• Construction of passenger loading and drop-off area.

• Relocation and expansion of on-site parking stalls.

• Widening the sidewalk expansion along a portion of Hotel Street and resurfacing a portion of Wharf Street.

Dave Jung, whose Sea Link of Hawaii runs the Molokai Ferry, spoke in favor of the pier that will accommodate his ferry operations. He said the Molokai Ferry regularly provides transportation to 30 workers from Molokai who have jobs on Maui.

While he supported the pier, Jung said he did not initiate the project.

“We did not go to the state and say we need a new pier,” he said.

Jung said he surfs the harbor breaks and said that he didn’t think the dredging would affect the surfing.

• Melissa Tanji can be reached at mtanji@mauinews.com.