Reopening the Pohoiki Boat Ramp is the top priority for Representative Greggor Ilagan’s office.

Even without federal assistance from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to reopen the Pohoiki Boat Ramp, Rep. Ilagan can still deliver for Puna with $5.4 million of state funding to begin dredging the black sands and provide access to the ocean. Rep. Ilagan is hopeful that FEMA will allocate federal funds for the Pohoiki Boat Ramp in the near future.

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.

Rep. Ilagan is collaborating closely with the Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR), The Limtiaco Consulting Group, Senator Joy San Buenaventura, and Council Member Ashley Kierkiewicz. Their aim is to foster the essential cooperation between the Federal, State, and County governments.

So far, DLNR has not received confirmation from FEMA about whether this project would be eligible for federal reimbursement, which has created uncertainty about this project’s federal funding.

The next step involves gaining FEMA’s approval for reimbursement eligibility, which DLNR is hoping to secure in 2023. Once DLNR knows what FEMA is willing and not willing to fund, they can decide on the next course of action.

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.

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