KAILUA-KONA, Hawaii – The mauka boat ramp at Honokohau Small Boat Harbor is closed

A capital improvement project for the ramp is scheduled to begin on January 30, 2017. Officials say the project will include the removal of both concrete loading docks and installation of new loading docks with new plastic lumber fendering and cleats.

The Hawaii Department of Land and Natural Resources says the project has been contracted to Isemoto Contracting and will cost $562,700.

“The ramp will be closed until the improvement project is completed, estimated by March 30, 2017,” a state media release says. “During the closure boaters will need use alternative launching sites. Boaters should coordinate with the Hawaii district boating staff for alternate launching sites during the closure.”

Photo courtesy Hawaii DLNR

“This project will help improve user safety and provide additional boating access for recreational and commercial vessel operators,” DLNR says. “The Honokohau Small Boat Harbor mauka boat ramp loading docks are structurally deteriorated due to spalling of the concrete and corrosion of the steel reinforcement. The loading dock on the mauka side of the loading dock has been condemned for several years due to structural instability. The makai loading dock has similar structural deficiencies, although not as severe.”