GOVERNOR LINGLE RELEASES $250,000 FOR LAHAINA BOAT HARBOR IMPROVEMENTS
For Immediate Release: March 31, 2005
HONOLULU – Governor Linda Lingle has released $250,000 for the planning of the Lahaina Boat Harbor comfort station.
The existing facility is insufficient to accommodate the increasing traffic by boaters, commuter ferry passengers, and other ocean recreation users, and is not in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act. In addition, neglect over the years has resulted in health and safety risks.
“The Department of Land and Natural Resources’ continued improvements and repairs to small boat harbors around the state is critical to ensuring ferry passengers, recreational boaters, fishermen and other ocean recreation enthusiasts have safe and adequate facilities,” said Governor Lingle.
“We appreciate the Governor’s support of our department’s efforts to bring the Lahaina Boat Harbor and the state’s other recreational boating facilities up to the standards our residents expect and deserve,” said Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) Director Peter Young.
Because the harbor is located in the Lahaina National Historic Landmark District, DLNR will use the funds to prepare an environmental assessment, conduct an archeological inventory survey, and process permits including a special management area application, shoreline setback variance, and historic district approval.
The total project cost is estimated at $1.5 million, of which $250,000 has previously been appropriated. DLNR is seeking a $1 million grant from the Federal Transit Administration to cover the balance of the project costs. Because the project is contingent upon federal approval, it is likely construction won’t be completed until the summer of 2007.
The Lingle-Aiona Administration has proposed an additional $20 million in reimbursable general obligation bond funds in its biennium budget (fiscal years 2006 and 2007) for DLNR to carry out needed harbor facility improvements statewide.
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For more information, contact:
Lenny Klompus
Senior Advisor – Communications
Phone: 586-7708
Russell Pang
Chief of Media Relations
Phone: 586-0043
Peter Young
Director, Dept. of Land and Natural Resources
Phone: 587-0400
