Reopening the Pohoiki Boat Ramp is the top priority for Representative Greggor Ilagan’s office.
The Pohoiki Boat Ramp played a significant role in the Puna community and local economy, offering an ocean access point for commercial fishing, oceanic and volcanic tours, and food sustainability as well as cultural practices.
The new projected timeline is:
• 6/14/2024 Completion of Project Plan, Specifications, and Bid Documents
• 6/25/2024 Issue solicitation for bids
• 7/17/2024 Receive bids and award contract
• 8/23/2024 Execute construction contract and issue Notice to Proceed
• 9/03/2024 Construction starts
• 5/30/2025 Construction completes
These dates are subject to change as unforeseen delays can and do occur. This project is subject to multiple State, County, and Federal agency reviews, approvals, and permits; the timelines of which are controlled by the reviewing/approving agency(s) involved. Notice to Proceed for construction cannot commence until all agency reviews, approvals, and permits are obtained.
Rep. Greggor Ilagan delivered $5.4 million of state funding for Puna to begin dredging the black sands and provide access to the ocean. He is collaborating closely with the Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR), The Limtiaco Consulting Group, Office of U.S. Senator Brian Schatz, Mazie Hirono, and Congresswoman Jill Tokuda, State Senator Joy San Buenaventura and Hawaii County.
Site Map of Pohoiki Boat Ramp from the Environmental Assessment prepared by The Limtiaco Consulting Group.
Background
In 2018, during the historic Kilauea eruption, the Pohoiki Boat Ramp was fortunately spared from being engulfed by lava. Despite this, volcanic black sands, created when lava cools and shatters upon contact with seawater, filled Pohoiki Bay, effectively landlocking the boat ramp.
Beneath the accumulated material in Pohoiki Bay, which includes sand, gravel, and occasional cobbles and boulders, the boat ramp facility and a breakwater structure remain intact.
The Department of Land and Natural Resources, Division of Boating and Ocean Recreation (DLNR – DOBOR) owns and maintains the Pohoiki Boat Ramp facility, which features an 18-foot-wide single-lane ramp. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) maintains the 90-foot long breakwater structure.
Removing the volcanic debris and re-opening the Pohoiki Boat Ramp is vital to the health and well-being of the Puna community.
Resources