Local News

Salvage underway for torpedo retriever

FIRST PHOTO: After months of resting against the breakwall fronting the Kihei Beach Condominiums in North Kihei, the privately-owned, 85-foot, 66-ton decommissioned U.S. Navy torpedo retriever Chaparral is in pieces on the beach Thursday as salvage teams from Sea Engineering and Chris Hayes Excavation work to remove it. With the owner reportedly unable to pay for the salvage, the state Department of Land and Natural Resources is footing the bill, reportedly more than $800,000. The metal from the Chaparral is being recycled. The project is expected to be completed next week.

SECOND PHOTO: Chris Hayes Excavation excavator operator Adam Spindler loads a section of the Chaparral onto the bed of a truck Thursday afternoon in Kihei.

THIRD PHOTO: Sea Engineering laborer Travis Pule uses a saw to cut the Chaparral's aluminum hull Thursday afternoon.