Resources for the September 13, 2011 Kona Town Meeting
Honokohau Harbor and Kailua Kona Pier Projects Update
What are the DLNR’s plans to improve Honokohau Harbor?
Dan Mersburgh, agent for Honokohau and Kawaihae harbors, spoke on behalf of Department of Land and Natural Resources Chairman William Aila who was unable to attend.
Papers have been submitted to Federal Emergency Management Agency for repairs from the March 2011 tsunami:
- Kailua Pier, $1.4 million
- Keauhou Small Boat Harbor, $550,000
- Honokohau Small Boat Harbor, $12,000
“We will front the money to do the repairs and then be reimbursed by FEMA afterward,” Dan said.
The $591,000 project to replace the makai loading dock at Honokohau Small Boat Harbor will begin soon.
Kona Judiciary Complex Project Update
Where will the new State Courthouse be built in Kona?
Ms. Dawn West, Deputy Chief Administrator, Hawaii State Courts said there are seven possible sites located between Palani Road and Hina Lani Street. Each site is being studied for possible environmental impacts. Hawaii Supreme Court Justice Mark Recktenwald is expected to select a site in early 2012. The complex is slated to open in 2017.
West Hawaii Community College Project Update
When will the new West Hawaii Community College be ready?
Dr. John Morton, Vice President of Hawaii Community Colleges said the University of Hawaii officials remain committed to a community college at Palamanui. Work on the 78-acre Palamanui campus could begin as early as May 2012, assuming all necessary county permits are obtained. Construction is expected to take about 18 months.
Video interview of Dr. John Morton by Sherry Bracken