Navigational Buoys at Hilo Harbor Moved Ahead of Dredging Work

The Coast Guard began temporarily moving aids to navigation in Hilo Harbor to assist the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers with planned dredging operations on Sunday. U.S. Coast Guard graphic.

Preparations for planned maintenance dredging at Hilo Harbor got underway on Sunday as the United States Coast Guard began moving navigational buoys on a temporary basis.

The maintenance work is being done at five harbors across the state through March and April. Work started last week at Nawiliwili Harbor and is scheduled to continue at the Hilo, Kalaeloa, Kahului, and Honolulu harbors.

Across all islands, Essayons from the United States Army Corps of Engineers will dredge about 290,000 cubic yards. Material dredged out will be disposed of at EPA-designated ocean disposal sites.

Four different buoys were relocated by the Coast Guard and will remain in its temporary location until April 11.

• Hilo Harbor buoy 6 (LLNR 28080) relocated in approximate position 19-43-51.80N/155-03-51.00W in 12 feet of water.
• Hilo Harbor buoy 7 (LLNR 28085) relocated in approximate position 19-44-06.62N/155-03-40.04W in 12 feet of water.
• Hilo Harbor lighted buoy 9 (LLNR 28105) relocated in approximate position 19-44-05.10N/155-03-28.00W in 12 feet of water.
• Hilo Harbor lighted buoy 10 (LLNR 28110) relocated in approximate position 19-43-44.95N/155-03-29.77W in 10 feet of water.

Those entering or departing Hilo Harbor are reminded to coordinate passing agreements and find out the location of dredging work, and operate their vessels at a slower speed.