Senator J. Kalani English
Chair, Committee on Energy and the Environment
State Capitol, Room 205
Honolulu, Hawaii 96813
Phone: (808) 587-7225

Contact: Chris 586-6903

PRESS RELEASE
February 27, 2003

WORK BEGINS ON NEW MANELE BOAT RAMP FOR LANA'I

-BLESSING MARKS TURN FROM DREAMS TO REALITY-

Manele Harbor, Lana’i --- Ground was broken for a new Manele Small Boat Harbor launching ramp in ceremonies held this past Saturday, 23 February 2003 at this heavily used State facility. The groundbreaking and blessing marked the beginning of construction for the much needed ramp and was attended by public officials, business owners and elated local residents, all of whom participated in the planning process and revenue securing activities. Senator J. Kalani English, (6th Senatorial District: East and Upcountry Maui, Moloka’i, Lana’i, Kaho’olawe), Representative Sol Kaho’ohalahala, (13th House District: East Maui, Moloka’i, Lana’i, Kaho’olawe), as well as Mason Young and Manuel Emiliano of the Department of Land and Natural Resources, were jointly responsible for successfully securing the much needed $600,000 in funds from various State and Federal sources, turning a community’s wish into a reality. DLNR was able to reappropriate roughly twenty five percent of the needed funds from various department divisions, $143,430, while the remaining seventy five percent, or $421,290, was supplied through the Federal Government under the provision of the Federal Aid Sport Fish Restorations Act. “Manele Harbor is the gateway to Lana’i, and this new boat ramp is a much-needed facility for the local fishermen and boaters. I am pleased to help bring this project into fruition,” said Senator English.

Cooperation between local citizens, the Manele Boat Harbor Advisory Committee, and State Government has made possible the needed extension and improvements. “It is a great example of the system working,” said Sherry Menze, Manele Harbor Master. Representative Kaho’ohalahala remarked that “Its been a pleasure to work so closely and successfully with such a focused and dedicated community.” The ramp will be moved fifteen feet inland and will be extended from sixty to eighty feet, while the area directly in front of the ramp will be dredged to a minimum depth of seven feet, providing the room and depth required for the safe launching of many types of small watercraft. Representative Kaho’ohalahala stated that “As a resident of Lana’i, I know this facility will help provide the people of this island better access to their ocean resources.”

Not limited exclusively to the small boat ramp extension, infrastructure improvements will continue to the rest of the harbor facility under a measure pending in the current legislative session. Introduced by Senator English, Senate Bill 1207 appropriates $4,043,538 for improvements to infrastructure, parking and entry facilities, as well as for landscape development aimed at a future commercial area.

The new Manele boat ramp has been a top priority for the growing local boating community, and will serve an integral role in future ventures that will rely on the harbor as a primary means of travel, business, and leisure. “Smaller communities sometimes get forgotten, yet it is vital for the growth and sustained health of all communities to receive the necessary infrastructure that will ensure a competitive, convenient and modern future, both economically and socially,” said Senator English. The new boat ramp is scheduled for completion in mid-March.

END

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