Maintenance dredging operations commenced on July 22, 2024, at Honolulu Harbor, situated on the southern coast of O‘ahu. The project is overseen by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Honolulu District, with Healy Tibbitts Builders, Inc. serving as the contractor.
Importance of Maintenance Dredging
Ensuring Navigability
This dredging marks the third such project by the Corps in Hawai‘i this year. Honolulu Harbor, as the state’s main seaport, handles over 98% of all goods entering Hawai‘i. Most containerized goods first arrive at Honolulu Harbor before being distributed to neighboring islands.
Routine Maintenance Across Federal Harbors
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers routinely conducts maintenance dredging across its federal harbors to ensure navigability for cargo ships and passenger liners. This process is vital for removing naturally accumulated sediment like sand, silt, and clay, thereby maintaining navigable waterways for commercial and recreational vessels essential to the state’s economy.
Environmental Considerations
Turbidity Curtain Corral
To minimize environmental impact, dredging occurs within a turbidity curtain corral. This floating boom system contains suspended sediments, ensuring cleaner water during operations.
Phases of Maintenance Dredging at Honolulu Harbor
Funding and Coordination
Honolulu Harbor’s maintenance dredging has been divided into three phases due to funding and coordination requirements. Previous phases were completed in 2022 and 2016, targeting different areas of the harbor. The current phase is expected to last about a month.
Recent Dredging Projects in Hawai‘i
Kaunakakai Harbor and Kahului Harbor
Earlier in the year, maintenance dredging was completed at Kaunakakai Harbor on Moloka‘i’s south-central coast and Kahului Harbor on Maui’s northern coast, finishing on April 30 and June 7, 2024, respectively.
“This is a team effort,” said Nani Shimabuku, Operations and Maintenance Program Manager for the Honolulu District. “Successfully completing these projects required strong partnerships with the Hawai‘i Department of Transportation and local communities. These endeavors are crucial not just for the economy but also for the people of Hawai‘i.”
Sediment Removal Statistics
Kaunakakai Harbor’s last maintenance dredging occurred in 1973, while Kahului Harbor was last dredged in 2016. The recent projects removed approximately 28,000 cubic yards of sediment from Kaunakakai and around 142,000 cubic yards from Kahului, ensuring safe navigation for vessels.
Harbor Management and Contractor Performance
State of Hawai‘i Department of Transportation Harbors Division
Both harbors are managed by the State of Hawai‘i Department of Transportation Harbors Division. Duane Kim, Harbors District Manager for the Maui District, praised the recent operations. “The dredging at Kahului and Kaunakakai harbors was successful,” he said. “The Dutra Group, our contractor, was excellent to work with.”
Contractors Involved
Healy Tibbitts Builders, Inc. handles the dredging at Honolulu Harbor, while Camenzind Dutra JV, Inc. was the contractor for the operations at Kaunakakai and Kahului Harbors.
Conclusion
Maintenance dredging is essential for maintaining the navigability and economic viability of Hawai‘i’s harbors. The ongoing efforts at Honolulu Harbor and the recent successful projects at Kaunakakai and Kahului harbors highlight the importance of these operations. The collaboration between the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, local contractors, and the Hawai‘i Department of Transportation ensures that these vital waterways remain operational and safe for all maritime activities.