Tsunami Repair Projects Slated at Kona Pier, Harbor

The state Department of Land and Natural Resources has projects underway to repair damage to two Kona marine facilities caused by the tsunami generated by the March 2011 earthquake in Japan.

Work that began Tuesday at the Kailua-Kona Pier includes paving of the pier, repair of a pump-out station and the western and eastern revetment walls. The old Coast Guard office is being renovated and afterwards will be used by staff from DLNR’s Division of Boating and Ocean Recreation.

Kailua-Kona’s pier is shown in this Google Earth image (click to enlarge).

The $1.6 million project being done by Drayko Construction will require a two-day closure of the launch ramp and occasional blocking-off of portions of the pier. It is expected to be completed by the end of the year.

Work to begin on June 9 at the Keauhou Small Boat Harbor will include repair of the bulkhead at the northern side of the bay, paving of a portion of the nearby parking lot and repainting of the interior of the restrooms.

The makai loading dock at the launch ramp area will also be repaired, although the mauka side will remain open during construction.

The $428,000 project is expected to be completed by July 31.

Funding for the two projects was appropriated by the state Legislature in 2011. FEMA will reimburse the state for 75% of the cost.