News

The State's proposed improvements at Kahului harbor will wipe out Old Man's, Jetties and Harbor Lights surf sites, and alter Ledges forever.

Voice opposition at two meetings:
1) The Governor's Maui Community Advisory Council will meet at 5 p.m., Thursday, January 17 at the Cameron Center. Public Testimony will be accepted.
2) Department of Transportation, Harbors Division will hold a public informational meeting at 6 p.m., Wednesday, January 23, also at the Cameron Center.

Surfrider's Mission
Preserve surf sites...Protect near-shore water quality...Maintain shoreline access.

Don't Surf?
Attend the meetings to check out the BIGGEST issue: the only thing separating Maui from becoming the next Oahu is a bigger commerical harbor. If you love the rural character of Maui, here is your chance to take a stand for keeping Maui No Ka Oi.

For more information, call the Surfrider Foundation Maui Chapter at (808) 298-8254 or visit the web at www.SaveKahuluiHarbor.com.

The public has until Feb 6 to comment on the draft EIS.
Send comments to
Belt Collins Hawaii
2153 North King St. Suite 200
Honolulu, HI 96819-4554
808 521-5361
honolulu@beltcollins.com

Read the Environmental Impact Statement
by going to:
Kahului Commercial Harbor Plan.pdf

Unite to STOP this proposed state action now!

Lahaina Ferry Pier - what you need to know

Lahaina Harbor - Improvement Plan

The State DLNR Division of Boating and Ocean Recreation plans to add a second dock to Lahaina Harbor on the Ka’anapali side of the existing dock (Carthaginian-side) to accommodate inter-island ferries - not the super ferry which is planned for Kahului Harbor - but the two ferries that run between Molokai and Maui and Lanai and Maui.

The DLNR plan does not increase the number of boat slips at Lahaina Small Boat Harbor or harm the surf sites there. The DLNR plan includes constructing a floating platform and movable gangway to provide safe access to the water from the new and existing piers. Surfers are discouraged from jumping off of the end of the existing pier and crossing the entrance channel to the harbor for safety reasons.

Surfrider is working with the DLNR and Dept of Transportation, Harbors Division to ensure access to the surf breaks is maintained at all times. Currently, surfers are using steps on the wall fronting the old library since the post 911 Homeland Security Act regulated cruise ship passenger screening. During times when cruise ships are anchored off Lahaina, people are not allowed to access the ocean from the docks, but they can use steps on the wall fronting the old library. The new ferry pier calls for a floating platform that will change heights with the tides for surfers' use to access the surf sites - but that will not be in place for approx. two years. Surfrider and interested groups will meet with state agencies and concerned citizens groups in February to discuss safety and interim surf site access. If you would like to attend this and other meetings, send an email to maui.surfrider@hawaiiantel.net or call Jan at (808) 575-2716.

Why Join Surfrider Foundation, Maui Chapter?

1) five marine science programs in Maui schools

2) environmental outreach to youth centers and canoe clubs

3) The preservation of the Freight Train at Ma’alaea, natural environment, and cultural and historical sites

The Maui Chapter has spear-headed the grass-roots initiative to influence a positive outcome at Ma’alaea – one that preserves coral, saves the waves and the last remnant of the canoe-launching beach, while addressing harbor entrance navigation and safety. If possible, please join Surfrider and strengthen the chances for a positive outcome at Ma'alaea . It’s easy to join Surfrider by visiting www.surfrider.org and clicking on Join Surfrider. Or call 1-800-743-SURF and sign up over the phone with your check card or credit card.

Surfrider Foundation, Maui Chapter is working to bring life to its mission of preserving beach access, near shore water quality, recreational and cultural sites through CARE: Conservation, Activism, Research and Education. Surfrider is receiving Ford Foundation funding to hire consultants to conduct an independent review of the US Army Corps of Engineers’ plan to expand Ma’alaea Harbor. Keep an eye out for the Surfrider Survey of harbor stakeholders – to be implemented later this year to canoe paddlers, fishers, boaters, divers, commercial operators, residents, and surfers.

The Maui Chapter grows stronger and more effective through its membership, and your membership might mean the difference in whether the US Army Corps of Engineers succeeds in constructing its 1968 plan that calls for the destruction of 4.8 acres of coral and disturb critical habitat of endangered whales and turtles and paves over a beach with historic and cultural significance and extend the breakwall 620’ – the length of two football fields. The goal of Surfrider Maui’s Ma’alaea Action Plan is to determine through community consensus building a new plan that reduces surge, improves harbor entrance navigation, and preserves as much of the natural environment as possible.

For more info, please contact me @ (808) 575-2716, or send an email to: maui.surfrider@hawaiiantel.net

Jan Roberson, MPA
Maui Chapter Chair

The Surfrider Foundation