For immediate release: April 8, 2009

PIER REPLACEMENT PROJECT BEGINS AT KEEHI SMALL BOAT HARBOR

HONOLULU - The Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) will begin work this week to replace two piers at Keehi small boar harbor on Oahu. Demolition began yesterday of the existing deteriorated pile foundations and wood framing of the 100 and 200 Piers, followed by construction of new, engineered aluminum-framed dock systems in their place. Project groundbreaking took place last week Thursday.

Pier 100 has been condemned and is no longer in use. While in service it was approximately 200 feet long by 5 feet wide and accommodated 20 vessels. Pier 200 is almost completely deteriorated. While the 200 Pier was in service it was approximately 200 feet long by 5 feet wide and also accommodated 20 vessels.

The improvements at the Keehi Small Boat Harbor are part of a multi-year effort by the Lingle-Aiona Administration to upgrade small boat harbor facilities statewide.

"DLNR is thankful for the support of Governor Lingle and legislators in this undertaking to improve small boating facilities statewide," said DLNR Director Laura H. Thielen. 'Over the past five years, we have made significant progress in repairing and modernizing long-neglected small boating infrastructure, with projects like the Manele Ferry Terminal on Lanai, the Pohoiki Boat Ramp replacement on the Big Island, and replacement of the B, C and D docks at Ala Wai here on Oahu, just to name a few."

The new dock system to be installed will be constructed out of 6000 series marine grade aluminum frames and topped with plastic composite decking. The dock system includes a 6 feet wide main pier with finger piers on both sides of the main pier. Finger piers will be 28 to 48 feet long and will comply with Americans with Disabilities Act accessibility criteria. The new dock materials will provide durability and low maintenance as well as strength to withstand the marine environment.

When completed, the new piers will feature modular power pedestals (electrical); potable water; fire protection; telephone and (optional) cable television hookups to users.

Al Zane & Associates served as the design-build consultant. The contractor on this $3,297,000 project is American Marine Corporation. Replacement of the 100 and 200 Piers is expected to be complete in March of 2010.

DLNR's Division of Boating and Ocean Recreation operates and manages 20 harbors, 50 ramps, 2,122 moorings and berths, and 19 piers across the state. The division works in close partnership with DLNR's Division of Conservation and Resources Enforcement and the U.S. Coast Guard to make Hawaii's nearshore waters safe. The division is also responsible for registering all vessels in Hawaii which are not documented by the U.S. Coast Guard and for regulating and permitting surf meets, canoe and yachting regattas, ocean swimming events and other ocean events with the concurrence of the U.S. Coast Guard.

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For additional information, call
Deborah Ward
DLNR Public Information Specialist
Phone: (808) 587-0320

Edward Underwood
Administrator, Division of Boating and Ocean Recreation
Phone: (808) 587-1966

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