Hawaii: Harbor Modernization Project Begins at Kawaihae Harbor

The Harbors Division of the Hawaii Department of Transportation (DOT) has begun a $7 million harbor terminal improvement project at Kawaihae Harbor, as part of Gov. Neil Abercrombie’s New Day Work Projects.

Located on the west coast of the ”Big Island” of Hawaii, about 50 miles from Hilo, the port received 746,643 tons of mostly containerized general cargo in FY 2010-2011.

At the groundbreaking ceremony on Jan. 31, DOT Director Glenn Okimoto said: “For the past 10 years, Kawaihae Harbor has experienced steady growth; these much needed improvements will ensure safe and efficient cargo operations into West Hawaii now and in the future. Kawaihae Harbor is a vital hub for the resorts, businesses, and residents along Hawaii’s west coast.”

The project will include paving 3.1 acres of land adjacent to Pier 2. The container yard will be used by shippers to load and store containers. The project also includes associated infrastructure work, such as area lighting, fire protection and drainage. An aging harbors division office and comfort station will be demolished and a new harbor division office trailer will be installed near the South Gate. In addition, a new comfort station will be constructed. The terminal container yard improvements will increase cargo handling capacity by approximately 11 percent. Container throughput in FY 2011 amounted to 62,997 TEUs.

Hawaii DOT anticipates construction will continue for 12 to 16 months.

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