KAUNAKAKAI - The state Department of Land and Natural Resources will hold a public informational meeting Wednesday in Kaunakakai on a $5 million Kaunakakai Harbor improvement project set to begin late this month.
The meeting will run from 5 to 7 p.m. at the Mitchell Pauole Center. The scope, schedule and overview of plans will be provided by DLNR engineering staff members, project design consultant Wilson Okamoto Corp. and contractor Hawaiian Dredging Construction Co.
Officials also will discuss vehicle and pedestrian access plans to enable the harbor to remain open and operating during construction, an announcement said.
"Public use of this essential harbor will continue during construction," said William Aila Jr., DLNR chairman.
Project plans call for converting the harbor's existing ferry shelter into a comfort station and a new, covered passenger waiting area, upgrading sewage facilities and the installation of 12- and 8-inch waterlines.
The scope of work includes a construction phasing plan that will enable the Molokai-to-Maui ferry, the small-boat harbor and boat ramp, the fuel station and Young Brothers barges to continue operating.
Also, "provisions will be made to work around the canoe regatta season, minimize disruption to utility service and provide safe pedestrian and vehicular access for ferry users," the announcement said.
Construction is expected to take about a year.
