HomeMy WebLinkAbout2020-08-18 County Supports Study to Improve Water Quality, Circulation in Hilo Bay -- press release
Roy Takemoto
Managing Director
Harry Kim
Mayor
Barbara J. Kossow
Deputy Managing Director
County of Hawai‘i
Office of the Mayor
25 Aupuni Street, Suite 2603 Hilo, Hawai‘i 96720 (808) 961-8211 Fax (808) 961-6553
KONA: 74-5044 Ane Keohokālole Hwy., Bldg C Kailua-Kona, Hawai‘i 96740
(808) 323-4444 Fax (808) 323-4440
August 18, 2020
NEWS RELEASE
County Supports Study to Improve Water Quality, Circulation in Hilo Bay
The County of Hawai‘i Planning Department has written a letter of support to the U.S.
Army Corps of Engineers for a new study that could pave the way for improved water
quality and circulation in Hilo Bay. The Bay’s existing breakwater, while protecting the
harbor, inhibits the beneficial circulation of the water.
Hawai‘i County Mayor Harry Kim has long dreamed of modifying the breakwater to allow
the water to flow through portions of the wall, which would foster the return of marine life
to Hilo Bay.
In 2019, the Mayor raised the idea with the State Department of Transportation’s
Harbors Division, who agreed to do a technical study to develop the scope of the
project.
“Imagine how great it would be to be able to swim, paddle and fish with no fear of
contamination,” Mayor Kim said. “By modifying the breakwater to clean up the water,
you’ll see all kinds of fish and shellfish come back. This will transform Bayfront.”
The new study, which will be led by the Army Corps of Engineers, will analyze the
benefits of breaching portions of the breakwater and other measures. The study will
identify the run-off into the Bay, and provide plans, recommendations and measures to
improve Hilo Bay’s water quality and circulation.
“Over the past years, water quality has continued to be degraded by both upland water
run-off and water circulation issues, which we believe are caused by the breakwater
inhibiting the circulation within the Bay,” according to the letter dated August 12, 2020
by Planning Director Michael Yee.
The budget for the new study is estimated at $100,000, with the State and County
paying $25,000 each, and the Federal government providing $50,000.
Once the Federal money has been secured, the study can start, according to Yee’s
letter. The first two phases of the three-phase study are slated to be conducted from
October 2020 through April 2021, with the third phase based on the outcome.
For further information, please call Planning Department at 961-8288.
County of Hawai‘i is an Equal Opportunity Provider and Employer.