Blue Water Task Force

Students test near shore waters for bacteria; learn about issues affecting the shoreline, prevention & solutions.

Ho'okipa Native Plantings

Students help shore up eroding shoreline; learn about ethnobotany and civic participation while preserving the beach

for future generations.

Saving Ma'alaea – the scoop

Last winter Congress appropriated $2.3 million to begin construction of the US Army Corp of Engineers plan to modify Ma’alaea Harbor. The plan has been steeped in controversy for decades as cultural and environmental groups challenge the government’s assurances that the plan is needed and won’t cause more harm than good.

Surfrider Maui support portions of the plan to renovate ramps, docks, berths, parking, rest rooms, fuel and pump-out facilities, and dredge the existing harbor to reduce surge from infrequent southeast swells.

Surfrider opposes the proposed 620’ extension to the south break wall because:

·         The new entrance channel would still face south, so surges from south swells would not be reduced.

·         Navigation problems happen infrequently.

·         Extending the break wall would cause shoreline erosion and destroy acres of coral

·         It is documented that the USACE has understated costs and negative impacts in the past, even falsifying reports to justify ineffective projects.

·          The existing break wall was constructed from rocks scavenged from an ancient cultural site. The break wall now stands as a silent sentinel to a past that was nearly forgotten. The rocks have moved, but they stand as a reminder to honor the past.

Donations, fundraisers, and T-shirt sales help Surfrider keep vigil over important issues. Join Surfrider by calling the Maui Chapter hotline at (808) 575-2716, or email maui.surfrider@hawaiiantel.net