The State Department of Transportation, Harbors Division is proposing infrastructure improvements to Kawaihae Harbor.
The purposes of the proposed actions are to: serve existing and future demand for harbor facilities; ensure adequate berth lengths and yard space to accommodate multiple users with varying operational needs; ensure safety of navigational and land operations; ensure compliance with federal requirements for harbor security; ensure safety for workers and recreational users at Coral Flats; support Department of Agriculture efforts to protect biosecurity; and protect the public and public resources by improving island resiliency when natural disasters occur.
The Hawai‘i Island Commercial Harbors 2035 Master Plan Update and subsequent Kawaihae Development Studies were used to Identify needs, future demands, and alternatives for the harbor.
Since dredging in harbor waters is proposed, a Department of the Army (DA) permit will be required for dredge activities to comply with Section 404 of the Clean Water Act and Section 10 of the Rivers and Harbors Appropriation Act.
Therefore, this EA has also been prepared to facilitate review and processing of the DA permit application, including consultations to comply with applicable federal requirements such as Section 7 of the Endangered Species Act and Executive Order 13089, Coral Reef Protection.
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Press Release, July 29, 2013