125 Attend Mahukona Boat Harbor Meeting

Approximately 125 people jammed the Intergenerational Center Thursday from 5-7pm, with many standing in the doorways listening as well as asking questions. Derek Chow, Chief, Civil and Public Works Branch, Honolulu District, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, was the leader of the meeting. He was assisted by Ken Van Bergen, Hawai’i County Deputy Director of Parks & Recreation, and Jason Armstrong, Public Information Officer for Hawai’i County. Initially, Derek Chow had everyone in attendance state their name and why they were attending. It was obvious from the responses that 85% or more, were swimmers; the rest were boaters or both. A short slide presentation was given and then it was question and answer time. Over 30 questions were asked and answered.

There were many extremely articulate arguments given why a boat harbor, especially at Mahukona wasn’t wanted or needed as well as a few good arguments for having one. For the most part, it was very friendly with only a few outbursts of rage from the attendees.

It is important to understand the reason for this meeting. Back in 2011, a survey was done at the Takata Store for a number of weeks. With over 700 surveys taken, more than 50% wanted a small boat harbor. From there, the County was informed and started the ball rolling. In 2013, a small group met with the Army Corp of Engineers and the County at Mahukona and thought it was a good idea to pursue building a small boat harbor there. 3 Locations have been looked at in Kohala, but due to cost concerns and other factors, Mahukona was the Army Corp’s best choice. However, word spread that a large group from Kohala did not want the small boat harbor and especially did not want it built at Mahukona, for many reasons; thus this meeting. And, from the attendees to this meeting, the boat harbor is not wanted by the vast majority.

At this point, the entire project is merely in a planning stage and based on the feedback tonight, the project will not go forward; but that is now in the hands of Hawai’i County to decide. If it was built, the Federal Government pays 90% and County/State the remaining 10% balance.

Basically, after 2 hours of discussion, it appears that the majority of residents believes Hawai’i County has lots to do without building a small boat harbor. Instead, they should fix the showers, fix the boat hoist, and make many repairs to allow for a more safe and rewarding experience at Mahukona.

Ken Van Bergen said he was happy to hear from Kohala residents on what needs to be done and he agrees Mahukona does indeed need many repairs. So, don’t be afraid to contact him directly with suggestions.

Check back to our site, KNKR.ORG for some audio clips from the meeting, and be sure to listen to KNKR, 96.1FM while we are testing, as we will air some interviews from Kamehameha Day, some PSAs, and some audio clips from tonight’s meeting.

In the end, the Aloha Spirit was everywhere as the Kohala Ohana joined hands and sang”Hawaiʻi Aloha,”,  “Kuʻu One Hanau .