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Coastal Zone Information Center Vatcrlikesources 'Development 2,9 1976, COASTAL CENM U. S. ARMY CORPS OF ENGINEERS PACIFIC OCEAN DIVISION JANUARY 1975 ,g -w bow, R# 7@777 106Ak. HD 1694 .H3 L4WAH MEMNON" H39 1975 qL4WAH Water- 9tesources Development January 1975 Information on Water Resources Development Projects by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers in Hawaii may be obtained from: DIVISION ENGINEER U.S. Army Engineer Division, Pacific Ocean Corps of Engineers Building 230, Fort Shafter APO 96558 U . S . DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE NOAA COASTAL SERVICES CENTER 2234 SOUTH HOBSON AVENUE CHARLESTON , SC .29405-2413 C" Property of CSC LlbraW Cover photos courtesy of: Harbors Division, State of Hawaii Department of Transportation (Honolulu Harbor) United Construction Company (Photo of flood) All photos are U.S. Army Corps of Engineers photos unless acknowledged 3 TO OUR READERS: During June, 1975, both the United States Army and the Army Corps of Engineers commemorate their two hundredth anniversaries. And for the past century and a half, the Corps, at the direction of Congress, has planned for the wise use and proper development of America's water resources. The Corps was born in a moment of stress and at a time of great need. The hastily formed continentals desperately needed defensive ramparts for the Battle of Bunker Hill. Our first engineers met the challenge and, since that strife-ridden genesis, the Corps has picked up the gauntlet many times and served well in each national crisis. Corps representatives, civilian and military, dedicate themselves to preserving the Nation and enhancing both our way of life and the environment which supports it. The Army Emgineers have played a vital role throughout our history- whether at peace or war. In the early decades of our Nation's development, we handled construction of the country's first interstate roads and canals, the first bridges and railroads. Numbered among our many accomplish- ments, the Corps built the Panama Canal and finished the Washington Monument. Since 1824 the Engineers have been charged with improving rivers and harbors, with the responsibility for both the coastal work and the intricate system of inland waterways. We are dedicated to serving the people of the United States and responding to their needs. In this tradition, we remain sensitive to the Nation's emphasis on environmental and developmental needs of the Nation. During this, our bicentennial year, as in years past, we urgently seek to foster public awareness of and involvement in our water resources planning efforts. To respond to your wishes, we must communicate. Therefore, I ask you to study this booklet. Learn what has been accomplished and consider what is being planned for your State. Then, provide us with your opinions and offer your counsel. We exist to serve you and all the people of the United States. W.C. GRIBBLE, Lieutenant Gen USA Chief of Engineers 5 TABLE OF CONTENTS INTRODUCTION .............................. 7 Kualoa Regional Park ....................... 37 THE CORPS'ROLE IN THE DEVELOPMENT Kawainui Swamp ........................... 37 OF THE NATION'S WATER Kuliouou Stream ........................... 38 RESOURCES .................................. 8 Kaneohe Dam .............................. 38 Navigation .................................. 8 Wailupe Stream ............................ 40 Flood Control ............................... 8 Kalihi Stream ............................... 41 Beach Erosion ............................... 9 Waialua-Haleiwa Area ....................... 41 Water Supply ................................ 10 Kaneohe Bay Urban Water Hydroelectric Power ........................ 10 Resources Study ......................... 42 Recreation ................................. 10 Other ...................................... 43 Fish and Wildlife Conservation .............. 10 Island of Molokai ........................... 45 Emergency Activities ........................ 10 Kaunakakai Harbor ......................... 45 Other Special and Continuing Kalaupapa Barge Harbor .................... 45 Authorities ............................... 11 Kaunakakai Stream ......................... 45 HOW CORPS OF ENGINEERS' PROJECTS Kapaakea Homestead Area .................. 47 ARE STARTED, DEVELOPED AND BUILT ..... 13 Island Of Lanai ............................. 49 THE CORPS'ROLE IN THE DEVELOPMENT Manele Harbor ............................. 49 OF WATER RESOURCES IN THE STATE OF Island of Maul .............................. 51 HAWAII ...................................... 18 Kahului Harbor ............................. 51 Statewide .................................. 18 Lahaina Harbor ............................. 51 Rivers and Harbors of Hawaii ............... 18 Kihei Beach ................................ 54 Hawaii Water Resources Regional Study ..... 19 Shores of Kahului Harbor ................... 54 lao Stream ................................. 54 Island of Kauai ............................. 21 Kahoma Stream ............................ 55 Nawiliwili Deep-Draft Harbor ........ ; ....... 21 Other ...................................... 55 Nawiliwili Small Boat Harbor ................ 23 Island of Hawaii ............................ 57 Port Allen Deep-Draft Harbor ............... 24 Hilo Harbor ................................. 57 Hanapepe River Flood Control .............. 24 Kapaa Beach Erosion Control ............... 27 Kawaihae Deep-Draft Harbor ................ 58 Other ...................................... 27 Kawaihae Small Boat Harbor ................ 58 Honokohau Small Boat Harbor .............. 59 Island of Oahu ............................. 29 Kaimu Beach ............................... 59 Honolulu Harbor ........................... 29 Wailoa Stream Flood Control ................ 60 Haleiwa Small Boat Harbor .................. 31 Other ...................................... 60 Waianae Small Boat Harbor ................. 32 Ala Wai Harbor ............................. 32 FLOOD PLAIN MANAGEMENT SERVICES .... 61 Waikiki Beach .............................. 34 APPENDIX-LIST OF PROJECTS ............. 63 Haleiwa Beach ............................. 36 Kaaawa Beach ............................. 36 HAWAII ... "The loveliest fleet of islands that lies anchored in any ocean" -MARK TWAIN @-_ e_0 Kauai 0 u ah - - - - - - - - - - - MO Maui Lanai Kahoolawe Hawaii 7 INTRODUCTION Water is @robably the most important natural The islands' surface and underground waters resource for man's survival and comfort. Not only have also played a dominant role in the @iezefter:reier does it sustain us, but it also determines the quality nomic development of the 50th state. Early IMF M D, Me - our environment. The availability or lack of wa- ians settled near perennial streams and springs -4ire ter, among other things, creates a wide range of developed sophisticated methods for -zi= Mim W natural surroundings for us to live in and to enjoy utilizing this vital resource. Water was so from lush rain forests and verdant valleys to arid tant to these people that formal rules governing tu ,,@deserts. When properly developed and managed, equitable distribution were enforced long M irsTe. A! W ater enhances the quality of life by not only pro- Captain Cook discovered Hawaii. The orM 09=, viding for our daily needs, but by making available of a dependable supply of water from Ln ruVrFqTF97WmIrs a wide range of recreational opportunities. On the sources resulting from the drilling of artesian vizft other hand, mismanaged or uncontrolled, water can in the late 1800's, opened the door to the 911=6 cause havoc-from soil erosion to floods and pol- and development of the islands. This growth 'a n-- lution which cause human misery and destroy accelerated following admission of Hawaii to IM property. Union in 1959. Rapid expansion and economic *I?, velopment have not occurred without '7707P Mis As an island state, Hawaii is heavily dependent pains" and accompanying problems, sTeMM-M on the water resources both within and around the some of which concern the islands' vital vi--MWITI, islands. The ocean influences the islands' tropical source. climate, links the islands with each other as well as with other areas of the world, and is the high- This booklet describes the U.S. Army Corps ei, way over which Hawaii exports its agricultural and Engineers' role in water resources er=-FT.31M@ manufactured products to overseas markets and and how the Pacific Ocean Division and r@ Mis MP imports raw materials and other commodities for Engineer District have been assisting the State -Amie Me consumption. The ocean is also a source of County governments in the @# and a primary source of recreation for both velopment of IF T-IN-Iff @* =4 residents and visitors. 8 THE CORPS' ROLE IN THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE NATION'S WATER RESOURCES The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has been the The methods used to improve navigation vary. Federal Government's principal water resources Harbor entrances are protected by jetties or en- development agency since 1824 when the Congress larged by dredging. Harbors are created by inclos- directed the Corps to remove snags and sandbars ing an area of open water within breakwaters or from the Ohio River. Since then, the Corps has other structures or by dredging of estuaries and been responsible for improving the rivers and coast- inland areas. Rivers are improved by clearing and al waters of the United States to provide for effi- snagging, dredging, and the construction of locks cient and safe transportation of the nation's water- and dams. The Corps of Engineers is responsible borne commerce. The Corps of Engineers' role in for the maintenance as well as the construction of the development of the nation's water resources Federal navigation projects. The cost of construct- gradually expanded to include the planning and ing harbors for commercial navigation is largely construction of flood control, beach erosion con- Federal. For projects primarily intended for recre- trol, hydroelectric power, water supply, and water- ational boating, non-Federal interests (which is usu- related recreation, all of which are accomplished ally the local government requesting the project) in cooperation with local governments and citizens, are required to bear one-half of the project cost. and in response to their request and desires. The In addition to improving rivers and harbors for extent to which the Corps can assist the State and navigation, the Corps of Engineers is responsible Counties of Hawaii under the various authorities for administering the Federal laws for the protec- provided by Congress'are described below. tion and preservation of the navigable waters of the United States. Under this authority, the Corps grants permits for work or structures to be con- NAVIGATION structed in or affecting these waters, regulates the The navigability of harbors and inland waterways discharge of dredged or fill material into navigable is one of the most important aspects of the nation's waters, the transportation of dredged material for transportation system. The Federal interest in nav- dumping into ocean waters, and the construction of igation improvements stems from the commerce artificial islands and fixed structures on the outer clause of the Constitution and from subsequent de- continental shelf. The Corps also establishes and cisions of the U.S. Supreme Court which have de- enforces regulations for the use of navigable wa- termined that the Federal obligation to regulate ters, including fishing areas and harbor lines. navigation and commerce also includes the right to make necessary improvements. The primary ob- jective of these improvements is to assist in the de- FLOOD CONTROL velopment, conduct, and safety of waterborne The Federal interest in flood control began in the commerce. This objective is accomplished by deep- alluvial valley of the Mississippi River early in the ening and widening waterways so that ships and 19th Century after experience with the disastrous other water craft can be accommodated safely and effects of floods on navigation. Through the Flood expeditiously, and to provide an economical means Control Act of 1936, Congress extended the Federal of transporting various types of cargo. Other nav- interest in flood control to include not only navi- igation objectives include the provision of facilities gable waters but all waterways in the nation due to for promoting the production of seafood and for the impact of disastrous floods on communities as recreational boating. well as transportation systems. 9 The purpose of flood control works is to regulate BEACH EROSION flood flows and thus prevent flood damage. This The Corps of Engineers' involvement in beach objective is accomplished through the construction erosion control began in 1930 when it was directed of dams and reservoirs (lakes), local protection to respond to the State of New Jersey's request for works or combinations of these measures. Flood Federal assistance in solving erosion problems control lakes provide a place for the temporary re- along its coast. This initial work led to the establish- tention of storm flows. After the storm, the stored ment of the Beach Erosion Board within the Corps water is released as rapidly as the downstream of Engineers. Established by Congress in 1935, the channel can accommodate it without causing dam- Board is known today as the Coastal Engineering age, in order to provide storage space for the next Research Center, and continues to lead in the in- storm. Local protection works include channel en- vestigation of physical phenomena related to coast- largement, realignment, removing obstructions, al waters and in the development of techniques and constructing levees and walls, providing channel procedures for protecting, restoring, and develop- paving, and stabilizing banks with stone and con- ing shoreline property and beaches. crete, or combinations of these methods. The objectives of the Corps' beach erosion con- Lakes constructed for flood control often include trol program are to protect the coastal shores and additional storage capacity for multipurpose uses, the properties behind them from damages due to such as for the conservation of water for municipal wave action, and to restore areas which have been and industrial use, navigation, irrigation, develop- severely eroded or damaged as a result of this nat- ment of hydroelectric power, conservation of fish ural force. In addition to protecting life and proper- and wildlife, and recreation. ty, beach erosion projects are designed to preserve Local protection works are turned over to non- and enhance the nation's beaches for recreational Federal authorities for maintenance, as are small use. Beach erosion control is achieved through re- lakes of localized effect. Other lakes are operated medial works such as beach replenishment'and the and maintained by the Corps of Engineers. The Fed- construction of dunes, groins, and seawalls de- eral government assumes most of the cost of flood signed to prevent damages from storm tides and control improvements. However, non-Federal in- wave action. terests are responsible for providing lands, ease- The Federal contribution toward the construc- ments, and rights-of-way required for the project. tion of protective works for non-Federal public Where other uses such as hydroelectric power, wa- shores is limited to a maximum of one-half of the ter supply and recreation would be served by a total project cost, except for State, county, or other flood control project, the costs of providing these publicly owned shore parks and conservation areas improvements are shared between Federal and where the Federal share is increased to seventy non-Federal interests according to regulations dic- percent. The Federal Government can assist in pro- tated by Congress. tecting private shores if there is a public benefit. Until recently, floods have been controlled pri- Maintenance of completed beach erosion control marily through the construction of dams and reser- projects is a non-Federal responsibility; however, voirs, channels, levees and the like. However, at- the Federal Government can assist in periodic tention is now being focused on the prevention of beach replenishment if this Work is determined to floods by restricting man's use and occupation of be the most suitable and economical remedial areas vulnerable to floods. The Corps of Engineers measure. is taking an active role in helping local governments define the flood-prone areas so that they can ef- fectively regulate use of these areas. This work is being accomplished through the Corps' Flood Plain Management Program which is described in detail later in this booklet. 10 WATER SUPPLY FISH AND WILDLIFE COORDINATION An adequate supply of water for domestic, agri- The Fish and Wildlife Coordination Act of 1958 cultural, and industrial uses has long been recog- (Public Law 85-624), as amended, states that fish nized as being vital to the national economy and and wildlife conservation shall receive equal con- security. For this reason, water supply is included sideration with other water development project in the Corps of Engineers' planning and develop- purposes and shall be coordinated with other fea- ment of the nation's water resources. Section 6 of tures of water resources development projects and the Flood Control Act of 1944 authorizes the Sec- programs. The act authorizes the enhancement of retary of the Army to contract with States, munici- these resources whenever possible, and specifies palities and private concerns or individuals for do- the action to be taken to offset the adverse effects mestic and industrial uses of surplus water that may of water resources development projects on fish be available at Corps of Engineers projects. The and wildlife. Water Supply Act of 1958 further provides for the inclusion of water supply storage in Federal navi- gation, flood control, irrigation, or multiple-pur- EMERGENCY ACTIVITIES pose projects. The Water Supply Act of 1958 re- The Corps of Engineers is authorized to assist quires non-Federal interests to share in the project local governments during emergency situations. cost related to water supply development. The ex- The Corps' role during flood emergencies is an ad- tent of State and local participation and cost shar- visory one until the District Engineer is notified ing in all new projects or modifications is specified that local agencies are unable to cope with the situ- in Section 301 of this act. In 1961, this act was ation. The Corps then assumes an active role in di- amended to increase the Federal interest in water recting the flood fight. In other emergencies such supply and water quality improvements. Addition- as earthquakes, tidal waves, or enemy action, the al changes are included in the Water Quality District Engineer is authorized to use all resources Amendments Act of 1972. at his command to aid civil authorities in prevent- ing human suffering and mitigating destruction or HYDROELECTRIC POWER damage. Several authorities have been provided by Con- The need for hydroelectric power has become gress which permit the Secretary of the Army and more urgent with the continued increase in popu- the Chief of Engineers to implement projects of lation and urban development across the nation. limited scope for the purpose of alleviating poten- A series of laws and resolutions, dating back to the tially dangerous conditions resulting from emer- River and Harbor Act of 1909 and sustained by the gency situations. Upon receipt of a formal request Supreme Court, has given the Chief of Engineers from a local government agency fully empowered the authority to include the development of hydro- under State law to provide the required local coop- electric power in multiple-purpose projects when eration, the Corps investigates the reported prob- such development can be achieved together with lem. If the investigation clearly shows that remedial the primary objective of the project. measures are required and that they are engineer- ingly and economically feasible, the project is adopted for construction. The various authorities RECREATION for Corps participation in emergency work are de- The Federal Water Project Recreation Act of 1965 scribed below. requires that all project planning give considera- Public Law 99, 84th Congress- tion to the inclusion of facilities for swimming, Emergency Flood Activities boating, fishing, camping, and sightseeing wher- Public Law 99 provides for an emergency fund ever appropriate. In developing plans for recrea- to be used at the Chief of Engineers' discretion for: tional facilities, the Corps of Engineers works (1) Flood emergency preparations, floodfighting closely with all Federal, State, and County agen- cies concerned with the development of recreation- al facilities and programs, and with interested community groups and individuals. and rescue operations, and the repair or restoration OTHER SPECIAL AND CONTINUING of any flood control work threatened or destroyed AUTHORITIES by floods; (2) emergency strengthening of Feder- Most of the work described earlier is accom- ally authorized hurricane or shore protection works plished in response to specific direction from Con- being threatened, when such protection is neces- gress. However, Congress has also provided the sary to prevent imminent and substantial loss of Secretary of the Army and the Chief of Engineers life and property; and (3) repair and restoration of general authorities to implement water resources Federally authorized hurricane and shore protec- projects of limited scope in response to requests tion structures damaged or destroyed by wind, from local government agencies. These projects wave, or water action of other than ordinary na- are subject to the same principles of engineering ture, when such repair and restoration are neces- and economic feasibility as are projects specific- sary for adequate functioning of the structures. ally authorized by Congress. They must be com- plete within themselves and should not commit the Public Law 875, 81st Congress- United States to any additional improvement to in- Disaster Relief sure successful operation. The general authorities Public Law 875 authorizes the expenditure of are often referred to as the "small projects or spe- funds by the Office of Emergency Preparedness cial continuing authorities" and are described (OEP) for relief and recovery during and after na- below. tional disasters. The Corps of Engineers furnishes engineering and construction support when re- Section 205, Flood Control Act of 1962- quested by OEP. Small Flood Control Projects Section 14, Flood Control Act of 1946- This legislation pr 'ovides for construction of small flood control projects not specifically au- Emergency Bank Protection thorized by Congress when, in the opinion of the Under this authority, the Corps of Engineers may Chief of Engineers, such work is advisable. The spend up to $50,000 in one locality during any one Federal share in such projects may'not exceed fiscal year for the construction of emergency bank $1,000,000 ($2,000,000 if the area had-,been de- protection works to prevent flood damage to high- clared a major disaster area within the previous ways, bridge approaches, and other public works five years). endangered by bank erosion. Section 107, River and Harbor Act of 1960,'as Section 2, River and Harbor Act of 1945- amended-Small Navigation Projects Snagging and Clearing for Navigation This legislation authorizes the Corps of Engi- This act authorizes the Corps of Engineers to un- neers to construct small river and harbor improve- dertake emergency work to clear or remove un- ment projects not specifically authorized by Con- reasonable obstructions from rivers, harbors, and gress when they will result in substantial benefits other waterways in the interest of navigation. to navigation. The Federal share in such projects may not exceed $1,000,000. Section 208, Flood Control Act of 1954- Snagging and Clearing for Flood Control Section 103 a, River and Harbor Act of 1962, as Under this act, the Corps of Engineers is autho- amended-Small Beach Erosion Control Projects rized to spend up to $100,000 on any single tribu- This legislation as amended provides for con- tary during any one fiscal year for removal of snags struction of small shore and beach restoration and and other accumulated debris, and for clearing and protection projects not specifically authorized by straightening stream channels, when, in the opin- Congress, when, in the opinion of the Chief of En- ion of the Chief of Engineers, such work is required gineers, such work is advisable. The Federal share in the interest of flood control. in such projects may not exceed $1,000,000. 12 Section 111 of the River and Harbor Act of 1968- Public Law 189, 55th Congress- Prevention and Mitigation of Shore Damages Removal of Wrecks and Obstructions Caused by Existing Federal Navigation Works Under this law, the Corps of Engineers is autho- This legislation authorizes the Corps of Engi- rized to investigate wrecked vessels and other ob- neers to investigate, study, and construct projects structions to navigation, and to remove them at the to prevent and mitigate shore damages attributable owner's expense or, under certain conditions, at to Federal navigation works. The Federal Govern- the expense of the Federal Government. ment will assume the cost of constructing, operat- ing, and maintaining these projects, provided that the first cost is less than $1,000,000. Specific au- thorization by Congress is required for projects costing more than $1,000,000. 13 HOW CORPS OF ENGINEERS' PROJECTS ARE STARTED, DEVELOPED AND BUILT The Corps of Engineers' role in the development As part of the public participation process, and of the nation's water resources is primarily one of because it recognizes its limitations, the Corps public service. The Corps serves as an engineering seeks the assistance of other agencies such as: consultant to Congress and assists it in responding State and County Planning and Public Works to the people's need for water resources improve- agencies-to provide details of the problem for ments. Based on this role, the Corps of Engineers which Corps assistance was requested; to fur- does not initiate any project. It respondsto specific nish available engineering and technical data direction from Congress with respect to major wa- related to the problem; to identify related prob- ter resources development projects or to requests lems and needs in the problem area and their from local government agencies for small projects plans for this area; and to provide overall under the special continuing authorities provided guidance and direction in the development of by Congress, Because the Corps is committed to a solution which would not only alleviate the serving the public, there are many tests and checks specific water resource problem, but which and balances involved in the planning and devel- would also be compatible with and possibly opment of water resources projects. During the enhance the overall quality of life in the com- study, checks and balances are used to ensure that munity. emphasis is not placed on one facet of the total problem at the expense of other considerations. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, National The checks and balances are concerned not only Marine Fisheries Service, and State and County with the engineering effectiveness and economic fish and wildlife agencies-to define the fish feasibility of the solutions considered, but also with and wildlife resources in the problem area, the effects of these solutions on the natural environ- the value and importance of these resources to ment and on the socio-economic well-being of the the area, existing plans for developing these people for whom they are being developed and who resources, and the impact of the solutions con- will have to live with the final solution-good and sidered by the Corps on these resources. bad. The National Parks Service and the State His- In its effort to develop balanced solutions to toric Preservation Off icer-to identify sites and water resources problems, the Corps of Engineers artifacts of historical and/or archaeological employs planners, engineers, economists, sociolo- significance which would be affected by the gists, and environmentalists. However, it is con- solutions being considered by the Corps; to stantly aware that as a single agency, it cannot determine the desired disposition of the sites possibly understand and appreciate all of the many and artifacts; and to advise the Corps on the factors and considerations involved in developing actions required to achieve the desired effect. an effective and balanced solution. For this reason, State and County recreation agencies-to iden- the Corps relies heavily on public participation in tify the existing recreational resources, the the planning process, and congiders it to be one of community's recreational needs and desires, the major tests in determining whether the solu- the agencies' plans for the area; and ways in tion considered is in the best interest of the general which the Corps could assist in enchancing the public. community's recreational opportunities. Other Federal, State and County agencies as the need arises. WATER RESOURCES DEVELOPMENT.- wim A Delicate Balance 15 Most importantly, the Corps relies heavily on having to acquire residential property and relocate community organizations, civic groups, and the families. The tradeoffs involved between the two people living in the problem area to help it under- solutions involve aesthetics and community cohe- stand the magnitude of the problem, how it affects sion (ugly high concrete walls vs. relocating fami- their lives, and what they'd like to see done to solve lies). Clearly, the final selection should not and is the problem. not made by the Corps, but by local government Based on the definition of the problem, planning agencies and the people who would be directly constraints, and other information obtained from affected by the decision. The Corps primarily func- public participation during the initial phase of the tions as the moderator in the final selection. How- study, the Corps develops alternative solutions to ever, it is responsible for implementing a solution the problem. Public participation is again relied on which would provide the greatest benefit to the in determining which solution would most effec- greatest number of people. This responsibility is tively solve the problem and be most compatible not an easy one to carry out. Many times, it is ex- with the community's needs and desires. Public par- tremely difficult to objectively determine what ac- ticipation mechanisms include, but are not limited tion would be in the greatest public interest. Public to, public meetings, informal meetings with citizen meetings and other public participation mechan- groups and government officials, workshops, and isms provide much of the input used in the deci- citizen advisory councils. The objective of each of sion-making process. Also heavy reliance is placed these mechanisms is to evaluate the alternative on the views and position of the local government solutions against the following basic considerations: requesting or sponsoring the study, since they will � Which of the alternatives is the most effective have to share in the cost of the project as well as from the engineering standpoint? make certain commitments to the Federal Govern- � Which alternative is the most feasible from the ment. Also, the local agency is considered to be economic standpoint, that is, which alternative sensitive to the needs of the community affected by would provide the greatest benefit for the the water resource problem and the relationship of smallest outlay of our tax dollars? the problem to the overall needs of the County and State. � Which alternative would be most beneficial to Based on consideration of all engineering and the natural environment? Which alternative technical data pertinent to the problem, and all would cause the least disturbance to existing comments received from government agencies and natural resources in the area? Which one the public, the District Engineer must recommend would improve and enhance these resources? a solution which, he feels, represents the best bal- � Which alternative would be most beneficial to ancing of all factors considered, pro and con, and the socio-economic well-being of the people would serve the public interest best. The wisdom living and working in the problem area? of his decision is demonstrated by the final product, Very rarely is a single alternative the best with that is, the extent to which the completed project respect to each of the four considerations. Usually satisfies or fails to satisfy the community's water the alternatives satisfy the four conditions to vary- resource needs. ing degrees. Consequently, the selection of a final The foregoing discussion attempted to provide solution usually involves tradeoffs, that is, the ac- insight into the principles and concepts involved in ceptance of a desired condition at the expense of the Corps' planning of water resources develop- some sacrifice in other conditions. For example, ment projects. The major steps involved in the one solution to the flood problem on a stream initiation, planning, and construction of a water where homes have been constructed along both resources project specifically authorized by Con- banks would be to increase the stream capacity by gress are illustrated in the following diagram. widening it. This action would require acquisition of residential property along the stream and relo- cation of a few families. Another solution would be to increase the stream capacity by constructing high concrete walls along the banks. Although con- crete walls may not be aesthetically pleasing, they would provide the desired flood protection without 16 THE STUDY BEGINS ....... A LOCAL PROBLEM BECOMES SERIOUS CONGRESS AUTHORIZES STUDY HOW BAD is IT? COMM WHAT DO Y U WANT COMMUNITY ASKS FOR L_j D NE HELP arrierz or -HAWAII SEVERAL YEARS LATER MODIFICATIONS AND DETAR-E, DESIGN 1.1 TLHIS.PLII T'L K. _MIN AI, 111l`Al@l-ZT MORE MEETINGS FUNDS ARE APPROPRIATED HOW CORPS OF ENGINEERS PROJECTS 17 ALTERNATIVE SOLUTIONS ARE AWFUL PREPARED No, WE OBJECT WHAT DO YOU THINK ? EAUTIFUL WHICH PLAN DO J OU WANT WE LIKE IT LET'$ GET IT CONSTRUCTED! 1H E9 AGREEMENT CONSTRUCTION IIE13INS 71 ARE STARTED, DEVELOPED AND BUILT 18 THE CORPS'ROLE IN THE DEVELOPMENT OF WATER RESOURCES IN THE STATE OF HAWAII The Corps of Engi nee rs,through its Pacific Ocean The idea of examining the water resou rces needs Division and Honolulu Engineer District, has been of the entire state of Hawaii is a departure from the assisting in the development of Hawaii's water re- usual single-problem or project-oriented approach sources since 1905. The Corps' early efforts were to water resources development. Prior to this study, concentrated on developing and improving harbors the Honolulu Engineer District had been directed to on the major islands, beginning with the dredging develop solutions to specific problems such as of Honolulu Harbor on the island of Oahu in Novem- flooding on a stream or erosion of a beach. For this ber 1905 and expanding to Hilo Harbor on the is- study, however, we were told to examine the total land of Hawaii, Kahului Harbor on the island of needs of the state and its counties and to provide Maui, and Nawiliwili Harbor on the island of Kauai. Congress with an integrated plan for water re- Through the years, the Corps has continued to play sources development that would meet the needs a major role in improving and maintaining Hawaii's and goals of the people of Hawaii. commercial navigation system on which the State's The first phase of the study consisted of a series economy is so heavily dependent. In addition, the of public meetings and the preparation of a plan of Corps' role has expanded to include the develop- study based on information obtained during the ment of improvements for controlling floods and meetings. The public meetings began on Maui in beach erosion, as well as for expanding the State's May 1971 and spread to each of the other major is- system of small boat harbors to meet the growing lands, ending on Oahu in early 1972. During the demand for recreational boating. The remainder of meetings, the objectives of the Rivers and Harbors this booklet describes the Corps' accomplishments of Hawaii study were discussed together with water and how it is continuing to work with State and resources development plans for the state and the County agencies in improving and protecting Ha- island on which the meeting was being held. The waii's valuable water and related resources for the Corps then heard citizen and local government use and enjoyment of present and future genera- statements of water resource problems and needs, tions of residents and visitors. and the effects of developments planned to the year 1995 on existing and anticipated water resources. Isolated or localized problems which were called to the Corps'attention during the meetings were in- STATEWIDE vestigated immediately. For example, during the meeting in Kailua on the island of Hawaii, the Corps RIVERS AND HARBORS OF HAWAII was asked to investigate the feasibility of Federal Section 209 of the Flood Control Act of 1962 au- participation in the reconstruction of a recreational thorized the Corps of Engineers to study the water beach which had fron -ted the town at one time. A resources needs of the State of Hawaii to the year few months later, Corps representatives returned 1995. For this study, Congress defined water re- to Kailua for a second meeting during which the re- sourcesto include the traditional areasof Corpsres- sults of a preliminary investigation were discussed. ponsibility such as harbor development, flood con- The results showed that Federal participation was trol, beach erosion control, and water supply as well not feasible. At a meeting on Molokai, information as "other beneficial water uses, and related land on a local flood problem presented by citizens has resources." led to the development of a proposed solution under the small projects authority. The flood problem on 19 Wailupe Stream is also being investigated as a re- opportunities involving water and 'related land re- sult of statements made during a community meet- sources at both statewide and local levels. The dec- ing on Oahu where Corps representatives discussed ade 1990-2000 is the primary target period for the the Rivers and Harbors of Hawaii study. Details of plan which will: this flood control investigation are included in the 9 Identify existing and emerging needs such as discussion of water resources projects and studies flood control, beach protection, and water sup- for the island of Oahu. ply development. As the Rivers and Harbors of Hawaii study pro- * Provide the means for coordinating federal, gresses, the Corps will hold more public meetings throughout the State so that residents and local state, county and industry programs. government agencies can participate in the devel- * Indicate priorities for public investment in opment of the study and thereby help to shape the water and related land resources projects. study recommendations. The water resources de- * Recommend data collection and research pro- velopment plan recommended at the conclusion of grams to solve long-range problems. the study will identify individual water resources problems throughout the state, and the priorities 9 Recommend any needed changes in laws, or- for their solution as established by State and Coun- dinances, and regulations. ty planners and through citizen participation. e Provide for updating and modifying the plan in light of changing conditions. HAWAII WATER RESOURCES REGIONAL STUDY The approach to the conduct of the Regional Study is unprecedented in Hawaii in that it is a joint Hawaii's geographical isolation, limited land effort by government, industry, and the public. area, and rapid growth have resulted in unparal- About 25 federal agencies, 35 state and county leled demands upon her water and related land re- agencies, and citizen advisory committees consist- sources. These resources include the water flowing ing of citizens, community leaders, and represent- on the surface of the land, water flowing under- atives of industry, are involved. Under the supervi- ground, and the ocean water surrounding the is- sion of a Study Manager and coordinated by lands. They also include flood plains, shorelines, full-time members of the planning staff, 16 teams of watersheds, and irrigated agricultural land. specialists and citizens arecooperating in thestudy. In view of the continued growth anticipated for The Corps is the lead agency for four of the study the state, it is essential to have a complete picture teams, and has representatives serving on six other of Hawaii's water and related land resources and a teams. comprehensive plan for the future, in order to make the wisest choices for conserving, developing, and using these resources. The United States Congress and the Hawaii State Legislature have responded to this need for comprehensive water resources plan- ning. In July 1973, the Hawaii Water Resources Study was initiated. Its purpose is to prepare a Ha- waii Water Resources Regional Plan by December 1975. This plan will consider needs, problems, and KAUAI N 0 1 2 3 4 MILES 'ALEI HA ....... .. ... All, KAP L E G E N D D -DRAFT HAR EEP BOR UE SMALL BOAT HARBOR ILIWILI IKI BEACH EROSION 7 r K FLOOD CONTROL APEP ORT ALLEN OTHER (SEE TEXT) CONSTRUCTION COMPLETED Polpu CONSTRUCTION AUTHORIZED F] STUDY UNDERWAY 21 ISLAND OF KAUAI NAWILIWILI DEEP-DRAFT HARBOR Nawiliwili Harbor was designed to accommodate The Nawiliwili Deep-Draft Harbor is the princi- ships up to about 500 feet long. Consequently, the pal port for the island of Kauai. Together with the turning area and sections of the entrance channel airport at nearby Lihue, the harbor forms the trans- are not adequate to safely accommodate the 650- portation hub for this northern and westernmost of foot-long vessels that now call at this port. The the six major islands of the state. State of Hawaii therefore requested that a study be The Corps of Engineers first developed the har- made to determine the feasibility of enlarging the bor in 1930 by dredging the area near the mouth of harbor and easing the sharp bend in the entrance the Huleia River and constructing a breakwater. In channel. In 1966, both the U.S. House Public Works 1956, the harbor basin was enlarged and the en- Committee and the U.S. Senate Committee on Pub- trance channel was deepened to 40 feet. The lic Works adopted resolutions requesting the Corps breakwater was rehabilitated and a section of the to investigate the navigation problem at Nawiliwili entrance channel was widened in 1959. Work au- together with a similar problem at the Port Allen thorized by the River and Harbor Act of 1954 was Deep-Draft Harbor, the second deepwater port on completed in 1960, and consisted of the dredging of the island. The Corps completed the study in June the entrance channel near the end of the break- 1970, and recommended that the harbor basin be water. expanded by about 17.3 acres and that the entrance The existing harbor consists of a breakwater channel be widened. The Corps' recommendation 2,150 feet long; an S-shaped entrance channel 40 was accepted, and the project was authorized by feet deep with a minimum width of 600 feet and a the River and Harbor Act of 1970 with the provision length of about 2,400 feet; a harbor basin 35 feet that construction shall not be started until approved deep with a maximum width of 1,540 feet and a by the Secretary of the Army and the President. maximum length of about 1,950 feet; and a revetted Maintenance dredging of the harbor basin and fill area on the west side of the basin. The onshore entrance channel was last performed by the Corps harbor facilities consist of a 1,250-foot wharf with of Engineers in 1972. The next maintenance dredg- 49,000 square feet of sheds, and 104,000 square feet ing at Nawiliwili is scheduled for 1978. Total Feder- of open storage; pipelines and storage for kerosene, al funds expended on Nawiliwili Harbor to Decem- gasoline, liquid fertilizer, and molasses; and a plant ber 1974 were $4,447,383. for storing, handling, and loading bulk sugar. Com- merce through the harbor totalled 495,448 short tons in 1973. Sugar and molasses comprised half of the total tonnage. The types and volume of cargo handled at Nawi- liwili have not changed much during the past 20 years. However, the vessels that the cargo is carried in have changed. To keep pace with advancing technology and higher operating costs, ships are now larger. They haul more cargo more efficiently than they did 20 years ago. They also require more area to safely operate in than they did 20 years ago. P "J, U-71 El 77@ M', Aerial view of the Nawiliwili Deep-Draft Harbor (right) and the Nawiliwili Small Boat Harbor (center). 23 NAWILIWILI SMALL BOAT HARBOR trance channel; a 12-foot-deep turning basin; a 690- Safe, adequate berthing facilities for small craft foot-long, 120-foot-wide, and 8- to 10-foot deep in the Nawiliwili/Lihue area had not been available main access channel; a 1,911-foot-long revetted prior to September 1974. Small craft used to be dike and breakwater; and a 142-foot-long stub moored in the estuary at Nawiliwili where they breakwater. The Federal cost through 1974 was were often damaged during storms. To relieve this $579,161. problem, a small boat harbor was authorized for The State of Hawaii has constructed a launching construction in May 1974 under the authority of ramp and will be providing berths, comfort stations, Section 107 of the River and Harbor Act of 1960, as and related shoreside facilities as funds are appro- amended. The Federal portion of the harbor was priated by the State Legislature. The harbor will completed in September 1974, and includes a 120- ultimately accommodate about 166 small craft. foot-wide, 12-foot-deep, and 1,035-foot-long en- 24 PORT ALLEN DEEP-DRAFT HARBOR HANAPEPE RIVER FLOOD CONTROL This harbor is located in Hanapepe Bay on the The wettest spot on earth is at the top of Mt. south shore of Kauai, and is 21 nautical miles away Waialeale, Kauai, which has an average annual from the principal deepwater port at Nawiliwili. rainfall of 486 inches. The Hanapepe River begins The Corps of Engineers constructed the harbor in in Alakai Swamp near the summit of Mt. Waialeale 1935 to handle the shipment of sugar and molasses and flows into the sea at Hanapepe Bay. The river from the plantations on south Kauai. The initial flows through well-defined canyons and gulches project was modified by the River and Harbor Act until the coastal plain where it used to seek to of 1945 which provided for expansion of the basin. establish new courses. The town of Hanapepe oc- This work was completed in 1948. cupies the coastal plain, including the flood plain The existing Federal project consists of a break- of the Hanapepe River. Floods were a constant water 1,200 feet long, an entrance channel 500 feet threat to the community and caused severe dam- wide and 35 feet deep, and a harbor basin 1,200 ages to residences and businesses as well as to ad- feet wide, 1,500 feet long, and 35 feet deep. The jacent agricultural lands. breakwater has required no maintenance or other In response to local interests' request for flood work since it was constructed. Commerce through protection, the Corps of Engineers builtaflood con- Port Allen during 1973 totalled 93,829 short tons. trol project on the lower Hanapepe River under the The harbor is naturally sheltered from waves authority of the Flood Control Act of 1944. The associated with prevailing northeast trade winds. first phase of the project consisting of a levee and However, it is exposed to deepwater swells from floodwall 2,200 feet long on the left bank of the the southerly direction. Shipmasters have reported river was completed in December 1959. The second hazardous navigation conditions and objectionable phase consisting of a 4,465-foot-long levee on the surge at the pier during periods when deepwater right bank was completed in August 1963. The total waves approach from a southerly direction. In Federal cost of the project was $785,000 and the response to resolutions passed bythe U.S. House local cost was $12,000. In 1966, the levees on both Public Works Committee and the U.S. Senate banks were raised to provide greater flood protec- Committee on Public Works in 1966, the Corps tion to the town. studied the navigation problem at Port Allen. The It is estimated that the Hanapepe River Flood study, completed in June 1970, showed that Fed- Control project has prevented an estimated $1,056, eral participation in improving the navigation con- 000 of flood damages through Fiscal Year 1974. ditions could not be economically justified. Approximately $526,000 of these damages were Maintenance dredging of the harbor basin and prevented during the storms of 12 March, 19 April, entrance channel was last performed by the Corps and 22 April 1974. of Engineers in 1972. The next maintenance dredg- ing at Port Allen is scheduled for 1978. Total Federal funds expended on Port Allen Harbor to 30 June 1974 were $1,263,861. Aerial view of the Port Allen Deep-Draft Harbor with the State-constructed small boat harbor and Hanapepe River in the back, 26 In July 1974, erosion had already claimed some of the land at Kapaa Beach Park, and exposed the roots of coconut trees along the park's shoreline ... 4, Ai By December 1974, more park land was lost to erosion. AF Severe winter storms during December 1974 and January 1975 claimed still more land and have left the coconut trees in an extremely precarious condition. T 27 KAPAA BEACH EROSION CONTROL OTHER The County of Kauai's Kapaa Beach Park is the Congress included in the River and Harbor Act of only public beach park for the town of Kapaa, a 1965 authorization for constructing a small boat rural residential community on the east coast of the harbor at Hanalei on the northern coast of the island. Severe erosion along a 400-foot section island, in accordance with plans recommended by of the park shoreline has not only reduced the the Corps of Engineers. The River and HarborAct of width of the sandy beach but has also caused the 1968 authorized the Corps of Engineers to improve loss of park land and trees. I the State-constructed harbor at Kikiaola on the Local residents report that the storm waves which southwest coast of Kauai. Although authorized for occurred during December 1968 and January 1969 construction, no Federal funds have been appro- severely eroded the shore and destroyed a 20-foot priated for further work on these two projects. section of an existing jetty on the north bank of the The River and Harbor Act of 1958 authorized Moikeha Canal. The breach in the jetty causes sand the expenditure of Federal funds for one-half of the that would normally be deposited on the beach by first cost of. the improvements to protect public wave action to be deposited in the canal. In addition shores along Hanapepe and Waimea Bays, as to retarding normal accretion of the beach, this recommended by the Corps of Engineers. The Hana- condition is undesirable because the material ac- pepe shore protection project was advertised for cumulating in the canal will eventually clog the bids in 1965. However, the lowest bid received mouth and contribute to a flood problem. exceeded the Federal and State funds available In response to a requestfrom the Countyof Kauai, for this project. Construction of this project has the Corps of Engineers is investigating the feasibility therefore been deferred until additional funds are of Federal participation in beach erosion control provided by both the State Legislature and the improvements for Kapaa Park. A detailed project Congress. study is being accomplished under the authority Although the Waimea shore protection project of Section 103a of the River and Harbor Act of 1962, has been authorized for construction by the State as amended. Alternative plans for restoring the of Hawaii, no State funds have been appropriated eroded section of the beach and for retarding future for this project. erosion have been developed, and the impact of each alternative on the environment has been as- sessed. The alternative plans and their environ- mental impacts were discussed at a public meeting in Kapaa on 14 November 1974. A draft report was circulated to Federal, State and County agencies for review and comment. After consideration of all comments received, a detailed project report containing the District Engineer's recommenda- tions will be completed and forwarded to the Office of the Chief of Engineers for review and approval. L E G E N D DEEP DRAFT HARBOR CONSTRUCTION SMALL BOAT HARBOR CONSTRUCTION t::* BEACH EROSION COMPLETED STU FLOOD CONTROL------ STUDYUNDERW OTHER (SEE TEXT) -HALI ....... .. .. .... KAAAWA UWIA WAI ..... . CQ KUALOA @ ;=;v, 2/ KANEOHE BAY U RBAN STUDY eo @K IANA& A, @K KAILUA AAEOH ON' P@, WAI, BARBERS PT. 'WALWBSIN. "K WA-1 I RBOR, HONOLULU HA N 0 1 2 3 4 MAUNALUA BAY MILES OAHU 29 ISLAND OF OAHU HONOLULU HARBOR The existing harbor consists of (1) an entrance Honolulu Harbor on the southeast coast of the channel 500 feet wide, 4,000 feet long, and 40 feet island, is the largest civil port in Hawaii and the deep; (2) a main harbor basin which is about 1,520 only commercial deep-draft harbor on Oahu. The feet wide, 3,300 feet long, and 35 feet deep; (3) harbor was originally developed in the late 1700's a west harbor basin (Kapalama Basin) which is in a natural protected embayment created by the about 1,000 feet wide, 3,400 feet long, and 35 feet flows of the Nuuanu Stream. Roughly crescent deep; (4) a 35-foot-deep connecting channel (Kapa- shaped, the harbor is approximately two miles long lama Channel) between the two basins which is and varies in width from 600 to 2,900 feet. The 1,000 feet wide for the first 1,000 feet at the existing harbor has been extensively expanded eastern end and 600 feet wide for the remaining from its original configuration by the dredging of 2,400 feet; (5) a 35-foot-deep second entrance berthing areas into the natural shoreline and con- channel (Kalihi Channel) extending 10,300 feet sea- struction of pier and other harbor-related structures ward of the Kapalama Basin and varying in width along the entire shoreline fronting the harbor com- from 450 feet at the shoreward end to a maximum plex. Sand Island, a 500-acre man-made island of 960 feet in the emergency turning basin in Keehi which protects the harbor from the open sea, was Lagoon, and to 400 feet for the remaining length created on the shallow reef offshore of the harbor seaward; and (6) a double-leaf bascule drawbridge by deposition of spoil material from dredging opera- with a clear horizontal opening of 250 feet which tions over the years. connects Sand Island with the main island. The Federal Government's involvement in the im- Commerce through Honolulu Harbor has been provement and modification of Honolulu Harbor generally increasing with the increasing demand began after the harbor became an American port for petroleum products by commercial aircraft and upon the annexation of Hawaii to the United States for general commodities to satisfy Hawaii's grow- in 1898. On 17 June 1899, The Acting Secretary ing population and expanding economy. In 1973, of War approved the harbor lines for Honolulu Har- the last year for which statistics are available, more bor. The following year, the Acting Chief of Engi- than 8 million short tons of cargo passed through neers recommended extensions and modifications this harbor. to the existing harbor. His recommendations were To safely accommodate the increasing tonnages approved on 4 May 1900, and the first of many and technological advances such as containeriza- Federal improvements for the harbor was authoriz- tion and supertankers, maritime and civic interests ed by the River and Harbor Act of 1905. The con- requested that the harbor basin and entrance chan- struction of these improvements also constituted nels be deepened and widened. They stated at a the first Corps of Engineers water resources de- public meeting in 1961 that the existing depths velopment project in Hawaii. This project, consist- are inadequate to safely accommodate some of the ing of the widening and deepening of the entrance vessels using the harbor, and that these shallow channel and basin (Kapalama Basin), was complet- depths have prevented some of the newer and ed in 1907. Additional improvements have been larger vessels engaged in transpacific commerce constructed under the authority of the Rivers and from calling at Honolulu. The agents and owners Harbors Acts of 1917, 1930, and 1954. of some of the larger vessels using the harbor also 30 stressed the need for widening the entrance chan- feet; removing a narrow strip of the southeast corner nel and removing a strip of land from the south- of Sand Island; deepening the main harbor basin east corner of Sand Island. These improvements and the Kapalama Channel to 40 feet; widening would reduce the hazard of grounding and ease the Kapalama Channel by 60 feet along the Sand Island sharp turn which the larger vessels must make in side for a distance of 2,500 feet; and removing a maneuvering out the harbor through the Fort Arm- narrow strip from a 600-foot section of the Sand strong Channel. The State of Hawaii also requested Island shoreline fronting Kapalama Basin. that the Kapalama Channel be widened to enable Construction of these improvements has been development of new berths on the Sand Island side deferred pending resolution of the sites for dis- of the channel and still retain safe clearance forves- posing the dredged spoil from deepening of the sels traveling through the channel. harbor. However, preconstruction planning and de- In response to the needs and desires expressed sign are scheduled to be initiated in late 1975. At by shipping interests, citizens, and the State of that time, the problems, needs, and desires of Hawaii, the Corps of Engineers completed a survey shipping interests and the community would be investigation of the navigation needs of Honolulu reanalyzed, and the authorized plan would be modi- Harbor in August 1963. The recommendations stem- fied, if necessary, to be responsive to the prevail- ming from this investigation were approved by ing needs and desires. Congress and authorized for construction by the Maintenance dredging of the harbor was last River and Harbor Act of 1965. The authorized im- accomplished in 1972. The next maintenance provements provide for deepening the seaward dredging is scheduled for Fiscal Year 1978. Federal 3,600 feet of the Fort Armstrong Channel to 45 funds spent for improving Honolulu Harborthrough the end of calendar year 1974 total $9,848,423. 14 Honolulu Harbor, the largest commercial deep-draft harbor in Hawaii, has two entrance channels, the Fort Armstrong Channel shown in the lower left comer and the Kalihi Channel at the opposite end of Sand Island (R. M. Towill photo) 31 APV@ V Air 2 Aerial view of Haleiwa Small Boat Harbor and Haleiwa Beach HALEIWA SMALL BOAT HARBOR mole, and a berthing basin between the interior The Haleiwa Small Boat Harbor on the northwest mole and the outer revetted mole complete with coast of the island of Oahu is the first Federal-State two floating docks to accommodate 58 boats. The small boat harbor on the island. Prior to construc- existing harbor has a total of 7.4 acres of water tion of this harbor, small craft were moored along area and 11 acres of land. the banks of the Anahulu River, and pleasure craft Storms in December 1969, and Jan-uary and were launched from an old ramp near the river March 1974 severely damaged the north shore of mouth. However, boat owners experienced many Oahu, including the Haleiwa area. The December difficulties under these conditions. The channel 1969 storm damaged several boats in the harbor leading from the river mouth into Waialua Bay and the State-constructed breakwater northwest often sifted, causing many vessels to run aground of the harbor which protects the harbor entrance. during storms. Flash floods on the river often tore During the January 1974 storm, three boats were boats f rorn their moorings and carried debris down- sunk outside the harbor. In addition, the floating river where they damaged boats and created haz- docks constructed by the State in 1972 and boats ards to navigation. berthed in the harbor, particularly along these In response to the need for a safe berthing facil- docks, were damaged. Although damages during ity at Haleiwa, the Corps of Engineers cooperated the March 1974 storm were not as severe as those with the State of Hawaii in the construction of a during the January storm, the loss of one life was small boat harbor. Under the authority of Section blamed on the unsafe berthing conditions in the 107 of the River and Harbor Act of 1960, the Corps harbor which forced the boat,owner to take his constructed a 610-foot-long, 120-foot-wide, and 12- boat out to open sea -to ride out the storm. foot-deep entrance channel; a 1,200-foot-long In December 1969, the State of Hawaii asked the revetted mole; a 520-foot-long, 80-foot-wide rip- Corps of Engineers to provide additional protec- rapped river diversion channel; and a 300-foot- tion for the boats moored in Haleiwa Harbor. The long levee. These improvements were completed in Corps completed its study of the navigation prob- 1966. In 1967, the State of Hawaii constructed a lem in June 1974, and plans and specifications for berthing basin along the western end of the har- construction of the recommended improvements bor; twenty catwalks to accommodate 40 boats in are currently being prepared. The improvements the basin; a berthing basin between the interior consist of a slight realignment of the entrance mole and the existing shoreline; a paved parking channel, and the construction of an 80- and a 110- area; a wharf next to the old launching ramp, and foot-long breakwater, a 140-foot-long wave ab- a comfort station. In 1972, the State added a 4-lane sorber, and a 500-foot-long concrete rubble ma- launching. ramp, a paved trailer parking area, con- sonry wall. crete revetment along the seaward side of the inner 32 WAIANAE SMALL BOAT HARBOR ALA WAI HARBOR The only small boat harbor on the west coast of Ala Wai Harbor lies between the metropolitan the island of Oahu is at Waianae. This harbor has area of Honolulu and the Waikiki resort area. The a capacity for 70 boats and was constructed by harbor was constructed by the Territorial Govern- the State of Hawaii immediately north of Kaneilio ment in 1935 through the dredging of an entrance Point, a narrow, rocky peninsula which projects channel and small basin in the reef at Mamala seaward about 1,000 yards in front of the town Bay. Since that time, the Territory and subse- and forms the southern boundary of the waters quently the State of Hawaii have made many im- known as Pokai Bay. Sand which is carried into the provements to the harbor so that it is now the bay by currents from the north aretrapped within largest and finest small boat facility in the state. the boat basin. This condition necessitates fre- The existing harbor has a berthing area of about quent removal and redistribution of the sand. In 40 acres and slips for about 641 vessels. Shoreside addition to the high cost of this maintenance work, facilities include parking areas, a fueling dock, a the existing harbor conflicts with the recreational boat repair yard, restrooms, and utilities. The har- uses of the adjacent swimming beach. For these bor is filled to capacity. As of December 1974, there reasons, the State of Hawaii wants to replace this was a waiting list of 967 applicants, which is more harbor with a new facility on the south side of than the total number of existing berths in this Kaneilio Point. harbor. The Waianae Harbor project was authorized for Temporary mooring along the inside of the construction by the River and Harbor Act of 1965. breakwater has been provided by the State of Ha- The authorized plan provides for the construction waii. However, this area is not safe during severe of a rectangular-shaped harbor extending south of storms because storm waves can overtop the break- Kaneilio Point. The harbor would have a capacity water. Consequently, vessels are allowed to moor for 380 boats. in this area provided that they are moved following Preconstruction planning for the harbor was ini- warnings of impending storms. tiated in 1973. Because approximately 8 years had The need for additional berths and for protection passed since the project was authorized, the first from storms was the basis for the Corps of Engi- step taken was to determine whether the autho- neers' involvement in the Ala Wai Harbor project. rized plan was still desired by the boaters who Federal participation in the construction of navi- would be using the harbor and the residents of the gation improvements for the harbor was autho- community who would be affected by its construc- rized by the River and Harbor Act of 1968, in ac- tion. Many meetings were held with Federal, State cordance with the plan recommended by the Corps. and County officials as well as with boating,clubs The original plan has been modified, however, and community groups. These meetings resulted in response to changes in recreational needs and in the relocation of the harbor from the site imme- priorities for the area, particularly the conflict be- diately south of Kaneilio Point to the south end of tween recreational boating and surfing activities. the proposed Waianae Regional Park about one- The revised plan consisted of the construction of half mile north of the Point. Alternative plans for a seaward revetted mole to protect the area behind a 300-boat harbor at the new site are being devel- the existing breakwater from storm waves, there- oped in cooperation with State and County offi- by enabling development of additional permanent cials, boaters, and community organizations. The berths. This plan was discussed at a public meeting plans will be subjected to hydraulic model tests to on 23 May 1974. Based on the comments received, determine their effectiveness from the engineering primarily the objections to a mole with shoreside standpoint. In addition, the State of Hawaii is pre- facilities on it, as would be developed in accord- paring an environmental assessment of the proj- ance with the State's master plan for the harbor, ect area, and will prepare a master plan for the the Corps is reevaluating the project plans. development of berthing and shoreside facilities for the harbor. 33 4 1@ L bl, v tot- z s ZO --i'-J -.@n Api. '77 door -,Nmq, 4r. Am 1W OP AV' W,I- -@e mo 41 More than 900 people are waiting for a berth in the Ala Wai Harbor, the largest small boat harbor in the State (R. M. Towillphoto) 34 WAIKIKI BEACH In 1959, the State again requested Federal assis- Waikiki on the southern coast of Oahu east of tance. The improvements recommended by the metropolitan Honolulu, is the primary tourist des- Corps consisted of the artificial placement of about tination center of the state, and a popular recrea- 2 miles of beach extending from the Duke Kaha- tion area for local residents. The famous beach at namoku Beach to the Elks Club, the addition of Waikiki and its popular offshore surfing areas are new groins, and the modification of three existing the major attractions that lure both residents and groins and appurtenant drainage facilities. The visitors to this recreation area. The approximately width of the improved beach would average 180 two-mile-long Waikiki Beach extends northwest feet except for the Elks Club section where it would from Diamond Head to the Ala Wai Harbor. Ero- average about 75 feet. The recommended improve- sion problems along this beach began with the ments were authorized for construction by the development of the area in the early 1900's. River and Harbor Act of 1965. As the erosion problem became more serious, it Congress did not provide funds for this autho- became the subject of studies by various technical rized project for several years, but gave the State of and government groups. A 1926 report by the En- Hawaii permission to construct the Kuhio Beach gineering Association of Hawaii on investigations section and receive credit on the non-Federal cost at Waikiki Beach concluded that seawalls con- for that portion of the project. The Army command structed to contain landfill were the primary cause in Hawaii also desired completion of the Ft. De- of erosion and that beach nourishment and groins Russy section of the project. Since Congressionally could be used to rebuild the beach. Subsequent authorized funds were not available, they proposed studies have been more complex and have con- to use non-appropriated monies from their post sidered the effects of currents and wave action as exchange, theater, and military club operations for possible causes of erosion in addition to the sea- this work. The State asked that the Kuhio Beach walls, but the recommended solutions have re- sector be combined with the Ft. DeRussy sector in mained the same-add sand to the beach and build a single construction contract to be administered groins to hold the sand in place. This solution has by the Corps. The Corps agreed and the combined been applied to Waikiki Beach by various agencies project was advertised for bid. The bids for the Ku- over the last four decades with varying success. hio sector exceeded available State funds, there- The Corps of Engineers became involved in the fore only the Ft. DeRussy sector was awarded for battle to control erosion of the beach in 1947 at construction. the request of the Territory of Hawaii. Following The Ft. DeRussy Beach project consisted of the investigation of the problem, the Corps recom- placement of 1,800 lineal feet of beach with an mended artificial placement of sand and construc- average width of 140 feet. Two layers of selected tion of a terrace wall in the Kuhio Beach section coral were used to construct the beach. Based on and two groins near the ends of the wall. The cost considerations, screened coral material was Territory of Hawaii began construction of these used for the top layer instead of natural beach improvements in 1951 and completed them in sand. Total cost of the improvements was $886,000, 1957. The Federal Government reimbursed the and the work was completed in September 1970. Territory one-third of the construction cost which Almost from the moment the State announced amounted to $214,356. Two years after the project its plans to construct the Kuhio Beach sector, con- was completed, 18,700 cubic yards of sand were troversy over particulars of the project developed. required to nourish eroded sections of the beach. The Corps' earlier studies were based on tradi- Since then, groin construction and additional place- tional evaluation methods for public works proj- ment of sand have been accomplished to reduce ects. By 1969, however, these methods were having erosion. to be revised to include a broader range of consid- erations such as the natural environment and socio-economic factors. At Waikiki, these consid- erations focused on conflicts between recreational uses of the beach and offshore areas. Surfers pro- tested new groins which would interfere with prime surfing breaks. Swimmers complained about plans to remove cribwalls and their impact on the shel- tered waters behind them. Many people also ob- jected to the 180-foot beach width. 35 As a result of the opposition to the initial plan, In October 1970, the Corps held a public meet- the Kuhio Beach project was redesigned and coor- ing to discuss plans for the sector between Ft. dinated with government agencies, surfing and DeRussy and the Royal Hawaiian Hotel. Residents swimming groups, and the general public. Follow- and property owners attending this meeting re- ing extensive coordination, a compromise plan for jected the Corps' plan and argued for more public the beach was developed. This plan represented access, narrower beach widths, and less obtrusive sacrifice in engineering effectiveness in order to use of groins. Responding to the people's objec- avoid interfering with surf sites and the sheltered tions, the Corps has suspended work on this sector swimming area. The Kuhio Beach improvements until the tangled problem of public access through were constructed in 1972. private properties is resolved by the State of Hawaii. A N -v kw' J, n p Ah@ Groins jutting from the shoreline are evidence of the many attempts to control erosion along Waikiki Beach (R. M. Towill photo) 36 HALEIWA BEACH severe. The beaches and park land at Hauula, Pu- Haleiwa Beach Park is on the north shore of nal uu, Swanzy and Kaaawa were severely damaged Oahu immediately east of the Haleiwa Small Boat by the storm-inflicted erosion. In early 1969, local Harbor. Like the harbor, the beach is exposed to government agencies asked for Federal assistance storms from the north. in repairing the damaged beaches and in prevent- Beach restoration work was completed by the ing further erosion. State of Hawaii in 1965. Under the authority of the The Corps of Engineers was authorized to study River and Harbor Act of 1965, the Federal Govern- the severely eroded areas at Hauula, Punaluu, ment assisted the State by paying for two-thirds Swanzy, and Kaaawa. Field investigations showed of the cost of the beach restoration work. This work that the fringing reef does not adequately protect consisted of the construction of a 160-foot-long the beaches against storm waves, and that the nar- offshore breakwater and a 520-foot-long groin to row beaches do not have a large enough area to protect the beach which was replenished with allow for the dissipation of the force of the storm 30,000 cubic yards of foundation material, topped waves. Therefore, these waves not only erode the by 60,000 cubic yards of sand. beaches but also the valuable shore property be- In December 1969, a severe storm damaged the hind the beaches. Based on the evaluation of the beach.. Sections of the offshore breakwater and problem, Corps planners developed several plans groin were broken, and approximately 7,000 cubic for protecting the shoreline along the four beach yards of sand were lost to sea. The State of Hawaii parks. The plans were discussed with State and asked for Federal assistance in emergency repair County agencies and with residents of the four work under Public Law 99 (Federal Rehabilitation communities affected by the erosion problem. The of Hurricane, Flood and Shore Protection Works). residents initially chose for their beaches either In 1970, the Corps repaired the damaged groin and low-profile breakwaters or man-made offshore is- offshore breakwater and placed 7,000 cubic yards lands. The preliminary plans discussed with the of sand on the beach. residents also included beach widening, clearing The January 1974 storm which severely damaged and deepening of some areas for better swimming, the Haleiwa Small Boat Harbor also damaged the and the replenishment of sand to convert rocky offshore breakwater and groin at the beach park. areas back to sandy beaches. The State of Hawaii again asked for Federal assis- As more detailed engineering, economic, and tance under Public Law 99. In response to their environmental -studies were completed, it became request, the Corps has completed plans for the clear that Federal funds could not be justified for needed repairs, and expects to initiate this work protecting the shoreline at Hauula, Swanzy, and in March 1975. Punaluu Beach Parks. Effort was therefore con- centrated on finalizing a plan for Kaaawa Beach KAAAWA BEACH Park. More discussions were held with State agen- Kaaawa Beach is on the northeast (windward) cies, the City and County of Honolulu's Depart- coast of Oahu. The windward coast is noted for its ment of Parks and Recreation who owns and oper- scenic beauty, particularly the combination of clear ates the park, and residents of the Kaaawa blue ocean waters and lush green vegetation along community. During these discussions, a plan pro- the narrow coastal plain and the steep slopes of the viding only for beach replenishment became more Koolau Mountains behind it. This combination of desirable than the earlier one providing for con- land and sea, however, has its special problems. struction of a breakwater. One of the major reasons The Koolau Mountain Range is relatively close to for the change was the aesthetic quality of the the shoreline, leaving only a modest area of land beach replenishment plan over the breakwater suitable for residential and agricultural use. This plan. narrow strip of land is bordered by even narrower The plan recommended by the District Engineer beaches. Although the beaches are several thou- and which has been approved for construction sand feet long, they are as little as forty feet wide provides for the placement of about 9,300 cubic and exposed to severe wave and wind action. The yards of beach sand to restore the beach to the natural forces along the windward coast create a width existing around 1949. The plan also provides general pattern of winter storms eroding the shore- for periodic nourishment at 4-year intervals over line and summer waves replacing lost sand. the 50-year life of the project. Based on the history The winter storms of 1968-1969 were particularly of erosion at this beach, about 2,700 cubic yards of sand would be required for each nourishment. 37 KUALOA REGIONAL PARK Under authority of the Flood Control Act of 1950, The City and County of Honolulu is developing the Corps began construction of a flood control a 160-acre parcel of land in Kualoa on the north- project for Kawainui Swamp in June 1964. Numer- east coast of the island into a major regional park ous rainstorms delayed the work, but the project for the windward area. Park facilities will include was completed and turned over to the City and picnic and camping areas, forest preservation and County of Honolulu for operation and mainten- open spaces, wildlife refuges, parking, and admin- ance in October 1966. Since that time, flood dam- istrative and maintenance buildings. Most of the ages prevented by the project are estimated to be park land is on a sand spit which extends into Ka- $101,000. neohe Bay, and the beach frontage is an important The major features of the Federal flood control feature of this park. However, during the first six project are: months of 1974, a 500-foot section of the park's A total of 9,100 feet of channel improvement shoreline receded about 50 feet. extending from the upstream end of Oneawa The State of Hawaii asked the Corps of Engineers Channel to the ocean, and having a minimum to study the erosion problem at Kualoa Park under bottom width of 80 feet and a minimum depth the authority of Section 103a of the River and of 6 feet; Harbor Act of 1962, as amended. The Corps com- A 50-foot stub groin with riprap protection at pleted a reconnaissance investigation in July 1974, the outlet of Oneawa Channel to keep a sand- and concluded that Federal participation in beach bar from blocking the channel; erosion control improvements appears feasible. As a result, a detailed study of the erosion problem A 6,800-foot-long levee with crest elevation of is currently being made. 9.5 feet between the swamp and the town of Kailua; A ponding area in the swamp for detaining KAWAINUI SWAMP flood waters; and During the late 1950's and early 1960's, a large Graded and grassed levees and general im- part of Oahu's residential development took place provements to make the project suitable for a in the Kailua area on the windward coast. Growth residential area. of this area was accelerated by the construction of The total cost of the project was $2,533,700, of the Nuuanu Pali Highway which made commuting which $1,265,100 was borne by the Federal gov- to metropolitan Honolulu more convenient. De- ernment. velopment of Kailua was hampered, however, by an old problem. The Kawainui Swamp, covering 740 acres and draining an 11.2-square-mile area, borders the coastal area which was rapidly becom- L ing a major suburb of Honolulu. Rain waters ex- ceeding the storage capacity of the swamp were normally carried into the ocean through the natural channel of the Kaelepulu Stream which empties into south Kailua Bay, and through the Oneawa Channel which was constructed by the State in 1952 to carry flows into north Kailua Bay. How- 16 ever, this drainage system for the swamp could not "i'll _11@ 71@4@"'@@ ";qQ@ 1A accommodate the large volume of runoff from the Koolau Mountains after severe storms. Runoff from these storms often overtopped the banks of the Oneawa Channel, flooding residential areas of Kailua. % The Corps-constructed Oneawa Channel extends from Kawainui Swamp.in the foreground through Kailua town and empties into the north end of Kailua Bay (R. M. Towill photo) 38 The City and County of Honolulu therefore formed an improvement district in Kuliouou to construct storm drains, streets, and lateral drain 77, age structures. The Corps of Engineers, in cooper- ation with City and County officials, integrated the flood control project with the drainage improve- ments to produce a complete project. Federal monies were made available for con- struction of the flood control project in 1967, but before the final design of the project was com- pleted, all Federal construction funds were frozen. Local officials ma e a spec a appeal to Was ing- ton for exemption from the cutback. The exemp- tion was finally granted, but the difficulties were not over. The first time the project was advertised for con- struction no bids were received. Then, in June 1968, the project was readvertised and a single contractor responded. His bid of $1,595,000 was Construction of the Kuliouou Stream flood control project by accepted and a contract was awarded on 10 Sep- the Corps of Engineers and interior drainage improvements by the City and County of Honolulu have solved the flood tember 1968. problem in Kuliouou Valley (R. M. Towill photo) The Federal project provided for the construction KULIOUOU STREAM of concrete lining for a major portion of Kuliouou Stream, the addition of supplemental walls on the Like most older developments on valley floors, banks of the existing improved trapezoidal chan- the Kuliouou community on the southeast corner nel, the excavation of a channel from the mouth of Oahu used to be inundated by winter rains and of the stream through the reef, and the construc- periodically flooded by the overtopping of the sin- tion of a 7-foot-wide rectangular reiniorced-con- gle stream that drained the valley. The flat topog- crete-lined ditch to convey interior drainage down- raphy of the residential area made drainage diffi_ stream of Kalanianaole Highway. The project was cult. A silty island on the reef at the mouth of turned over to the City and County of Honolulu for Kuliouou Stream also contributed to the problem operation and maintenance on 3 February 1970, by obstructing the flow of stream waters into the approximately six months ahead of the scheduled ocean. completion date. Total construction cost was The flood problem was of serious concern to the $1,637,670. residents of Kuliouou. However, instead of aban- doning their homes in this beautiful valley, they KANEOHE DAM raised their voices and asked the City and County of Honolulu for help in solving this problem. When The town of Kaneohe in windward Oahu is just they were heard, they joined with government across the Koolau Mountains from Honolulu. For agencies in solving their problems. years the town was a quiet rural residential com- The first attempts to solve the drainage problem munity. However, with the urban pressures gener- were made by the City and County of Honolulu. ated by Honolulu's rapid growth and the opening of However, it became obvious soon after their study the Wilson Tunnel through the Koolaus, residential began that the problem was too extensive for local, subdivisions grew almost overnight on lands bor- government to solve alone, so Federal assistance dering Kaneohe Bay. was requested. The Corps of Engineers began its The rapid and often unplanned development of investigation of the flood problem in Kuliouou in this community did not occur without accompany- 1966 and found that Federal participation in con- ing hazards and problems. Heavy rainfall inundates trolling floods on Kuliouou Stream was justified. low-lying residential areas and carries red silt into But the Corps has no authority to improve local Kaneohe Bay. Public utilities and recreation facili- drainage problems, and flood control without bet- ties are overburdened, and the teeming undersea ter drainage would not solve all of Kuliouou's life of Kaneohe Bay faces extinction from sewage problems. and silt. 39 These problems were recognized by local govern- viewed to ensure that they were still responsive to ment officials in the early 1960's, and Federal assis- the flood problem and to the community's needs and tance was asked in solving them. The River and desires. This review, which included discussions Harbor Act of 1965 authorized the Corps of Engi- with local government agencies and the communi- neers to study the flood and related water resources ty, resulted in a few changes to the project plans. problems in the Kaneohe-Kailua area. The study One of the changes made was to the alignment of made under this authority led to recommendations the channel improvements at the mouth of the for flood control improvements on the Kamooalii- stream. The original plan called for realigning Kaneohe Stream system. Floods on this stream sys- the stream through an old fishpond to provide a tem have been particularly damaging. The flood of more direct route to Kaneohe Bay. However, during February 1965 severely damaged homes in the Kea- the review of the project, the owner of the fishpond puka subdivision. Two persons drowned during this announced plans for developing the pond for aqua- flood. Another flood in February 1969 again severe- culture. Also, residents along the existing stream ly affected the Keapuka subdivision. Damages to mouth stated that they use the mouth for recrea- the entire Kamooalii-Kaneohe stream drainage tional boating and expressed the desire to be able basin during this flood was estimated to be to continue this activity. Based on the comments $1,093,000. received, the project plans were revised to retain The Corps' survey investigation recommended the existing stream alignment. that a dam and reservoir be constructed on Kamoo- Detailed design of the flood control project is alii Stream and that channel improvements be nearing completion. A master plan for the devel- made to the mouth of Kaneohe Stream. Since the opment of recreational facilities around the reser- waters which would be impounded behind the dam voir was completed in March 1974, in cooperation would form a reservoir suitable for recreational with the City and County of Honolulu Department purposes, the study also recommended that the of Parks and Recreation who will operate and main- land around the reservoir be developed into a park. tain the park. The study results were discussed at a public Construction of the project would substantially meeting on 26 February 1970. The proposed plan reduce flood damages to existing and future resi- was well received by local government represent- dential and public property in the Kamooalii- atives and citizens at the meeting. The Corps' Kaneohe Stream flood plain. The reservoir and the recommendations were subsequently approved by recreational facilities around it would also create Congress and the Kaneohe-Kailua dam and reser- new opportunities for leisure-time activities. The voir project was authorized for construction by the most important point, however, is that the project Flood Control Act of 1970. In Fiscal Year 1972, would drastically reduce the threat of loss of life Congress gave the Corps funds for detailed engi- and limb from floods on the Kamooalii-Kaneohe neering and design work on this project. During the Stream. first phase of this work, the project plans were re- Al -59 0-1, 00;,@ IX One of the many homes in the Keapuka subdivision which was destroyed by floodwaters roaring down Luluku Stream on 1 February 1969 (Star 8 ulle tin photo) 40 7 t2l", F Z 4i Floods on Wailupe Stream which flows through the center of Wailupe Valley have severely damaged property in this residential community (R.M. Towill photo) WAILUPE STREAM participation in the construction of flood control Wailupe Valley is one of the valleys on the south- improvements to be feasible. However, the cost of east coast of Oahu which was developed for urban the improvements developed during the study ex- use in conjunction with the growth of Honolulu. A ceeded the $1 million Federal expenditure limita- moderately expensive residential community with tion under the Section 205 authority. Because the supporting commercial and public facilities occu- City and County of Honolulu could not assume the pies almost all of the developable land in the valley remaining cost of the improvements at that time, and extends to the banks of Wailupe Stream which they asked that the study under the Section 205 flows through the center of the valley. Residential authority be terminated. They also asked that flood and commercial property within the Wailupe control improvements for Wailupe Stream be con- Stream flood plain have been flooded due to the sidered under a Congressionally authorized study inadequate capacity of the stream. Damages from which provides for greater Federal participation. the floods of 5-6 March 1958 and 16-18 December A survey report prepared under the authority of 1967 were particularly severe and pointed to the Section 209 of the Flood Control Act of 1962 was need for flood protection. submitted to the Office of the Chief of Engineers Following the March 1958 flood, the Corps of for review in September 1974. The report recom- Engineers responded to the City and County of mends the construction of 8,880 feet of channel Honolulu's request for post-flood repair and res- improvements on Wailupe Stream, approximately toration work on Wailupe Stream. Under the emer- 1,000 feet of channel improvements on the Kului gency authorities available to it, the Corps removed tributary, a debris basin at the upstream end of the si It and debris from the stream and restored eroded channel improvements on Wailupe Stream, and in- sections of the stream banks. creasing the capacity of the stream under t 'he Kala- Under the authority of Section 205 of the Flood nianaole Highway bridges. The cost of these im- Control Act of 1948 and in response to a request provements is estimated at $5,060,000. The Federal from the City and County of Honolulu, the Corps Government would assume $4,800,000 of the total completed a study of the flood problem on Wailupe cost and the City and County of Honolulu would Stream in January 1970. The study showed Federal pay for the remaining $260,000. 41 KALIHI STREAM Watercourses in the basin include the Poamoho and The upper half of Kalihi Valley is a quiet residen- Kaukonahua Streams which combine to form Kiikii tial community of single-family homes served by Stream, and Opaeula and Halemano Streams which neighborhood stores and local schools. In the lower combine to form Paukauila Stream. Kiikii and half of the valley, business and industrial firms and Paukauila Streams, the two major streams in the apartment buildings mingle with single-family drainage basin, converge before emptying into Kai- dwellings to form a distinctive urban community. aka Bay. Kalihi Stream flows the length of the valley from The Waialua-Haleiwa area has a history of 18 the extreme upper limits of the watershed area to floods since 1874. The last flood occurred on 19 the industrial development along the coastal plain. April 1974 and caused an estimated $1 million The stream periodically floods homes, public build- dollars in damage and the loss of three lives. A total ings and commercial structures that lie in its flood of 100 homes and 10 businesses were damaged. plain. Agricultural damages, primarily to crops and irri- The City and County of Honolulu wanted the gation systems, were estimated at $345,000. In Corps of Engineers to study the flood problem on view of the severe damages from this flood, the Kalihi Stream, and a survey study was authorized President declared Waialua-Haleiwa a major disas- by the Flood Control Act of 1968. Corps planners ter area. worked closely with citizen groups and residents On 24 April 1974, the City and County of Honolu- of Kalihi Valley, primarily through the Kalihi- lu asked the Corps of Engineers to study the flood Palama Model Cities organization, in the develop- problem on the Paukauila and Kiikii Streams. A ment of flood control plans. The possibility of in- reconnaissance investigation completed in August cluding parks and "green belts" along the stream 1974 indicated that flood proofing by raising floors banks together with flood control improvements is above the level expected to be inundated by severe being explored, and detailed engineering and eco- floods may be the only solution for which Federal nomic studies are being made. participation may be justified. However, the recon- naissance report concluded that a more detailed WAIALUA-HALEIWA AREA investigation is needed to determine the extent of Federal assistance that can be provided for the The Waialua-Haleiwa area is on the northwest- Waialua-Haleiwa area. A detailed study under the ern coast of the island of Oahu. Floods within this authority of Section 205 of the Flood Control Act area are particularly severe in the Paukauila-Kiikii of 1948 is currently being made. Informal meetings Stream drainage basin which is 79.8 square miles have been held with residents and additional meet- in area and the largest drainage basin on the island. ings will be held as the study progresses. '777 8, V 7-@ 4 Nw* Al mw Ile - 2 Homes near the mouth of Paukauila Stream were severly damaged during the 19 April 1974 flood which caused more than $1 million of damage to the Waialua-Haleiwa area (Honolulu Advertiser photo) 42 KANEOHE BAY URBAN WATER RESOURCES this effort is called, is to provide a range of urban STUDY water resource plans that are compatible with com- Kaneohe Bay is on the northeast coast of the prehensive urban development goals of the Kane- island of Oahu, and is the largest estuary in the ohe Bay region. The plan of study completed in state. Rapid urbanization during the last two dec- January 1975 addresses the following areas: ades has transformed most of the watershed sur- 9 Estuarine Protection and Restoration rounding the bay from a rural agricultural and e Wastewater Management residential area to a suburb of the city of Honolulu. 9 Water-related Recreation The rapid population growth and attendant devel- e Fish and Wildlife Resources opment of the Kaneohe watershed have contributed o Public Involvement and Study Management to water and related resource problems, particular- * Flood Plain Management ly the serious pollution of the bay. * Navigation The Corps of Engineers has been authorized to * Water Supply study the water resource problems in Kaneohe Bay The procedures for the conduct of the study are and its surrounding watershed. The objectives of designed to assure that the residents of the study the Kaneohe Bay Urban Water Resources Study, as area will guide the development of alternative .0,0 # 1W 4: N Aerial view of Kaneohe Bay (R. M. Towill photo) 43 water resource plans for their community. Through- Construction of improvements to alleviate out the study, there will be full and continuous damaging surge conditions and hazardous cross- coordination with the public which includes the currents at Kewalo Harbor was deferred following community, federal, state, and county agencies. objections from surfers who claimed that the im- The public will be kept informed and will be active- provements would adversely affect popular surf ly involved in the planning process. sites off the harbor entrance. Alternative plans and hydraulic model tests of these plans were made in OTHER an. effort to alleviate the objections. However, be- Although the River and Harbor Act of 1965 au- cause of the nature of the navigation problem, these thorized the construction of a decsp-draft harbor at plans were determined to be ineffective. Also, due Barbers Point and small boat harbors at Barbers to the increase in construction and related costs Point, Maunalua Bay, Heeia-Kea, and Kailua, fur- since the improvements were first developed, the ther work leading to construction of these projects economic feasibility of the plan approved for con- has been deferred. Construction of the Barbers struction is questionable. The Corps is reanalyzing Point Deep-Draft Harbor was deferred pending the economics of the project and will determine its receipt of the State of Hawaii's assurances that they future following discussions with the State of would meet their responsibility Ifor the project Hawaii and other government agencies and boat- which included, among others, sharing of the con- ing interests. struction cost and providing the required land for Storms in December 1967, January 1968, and the project. Detailed engineering and design of the November 1970 severely damaged several streams Barbers Point and Kailua Small Boat Harbors have on Oahu. Existing channel linings were torn out been deferred pending receipt of Federal funds for by the force of the flood waters. The lining material, this work. Construction of the Maunalua Bay Small together with debris and large boulders carried Boat Harbor has been deferred pending completion down from the higher reaches, clogged lower sec- of a master plan for the bay by the State of Hawaii. tions of the streams, causing flood waters to back- Funds for detailed engineering and design of the up and flood developments on the stream banks. In Heeia-Kea Small Boat Harbor were made available response to requests from the City and County of to the Corps in 1971. The Corps planners recog- Honolulu and under the authority of Public Law 99, nized that the needs of the community and goals the Corps made emergency repairs to Niu, Ha- of government agencies may have changed since haione, Waialae-lki, Waialae-Nui, Kapakahi, the project was authorized in 1965. Therefore, Moanalua and Omao Streams. before proceeding with the preconstruction plan- ning, the Corps held a public meeting to obtain prevailing attitudes and views on the project. The public meeting surfaced the Kaneohe community's objections to any development in Kaneohe Bay, including the Heeia-Kea Harbor, until the environ- mental problems of the bay are solved. Based on the community's reaction, further work on this project has been deferred, and the Corps, through its Kaneohe Bay Urban Water Resources Study, is working with the community and other government agencies in solving the water resources problems of the bay. MOLOKAI 0 1 K UPAPA z@ 'k, MAILINA- L 0 A P.& -X- A, KA-,.P--ik K:EA KAUNAK K 1 4,,e q ffv%t pr ,, v op -L E G E N D DEEP DRAFT HARBOR& SMALL BOAT OR BARGE HARBOR FLOOD CONTROL CONSTRUCTION COMPLETED F] CONSTRUCTION AUTHORIZED [:] STUDY UNDERWAY F-1 45 ISLAND OF MOLOKAI KAUNAKAKAIHARBOR Honolulu. During,these periods, the small commu- The existing barge harbor at Kaunakakai on the nity must rely on light aircraft for its supplies. south central coast of the island is the only port for This remote community's dependence on tug- transporting bulk goods to and from Oahu. In 1973, barge commerce resulted in the State of Hawaii's the harbor handled 475,246 tons of commerce, of request for improvements to protect the harbor which 382,524 tons were fresh pineapple shipped against the severe winter conditions. In response to Honolulu for canning. to this request, the Corps of Engineers improved the Kaunakakai Harbor has a basin 600 feet wide existing barge harbor under the authority of Section and 1,500 feet long. The Corps assists the State in 107 of the River and Harbor Act of 1960. The im- maintaining the 23-foot depth required for barge provements were completed in 1967 at a cost of traffic through periodic dredging. The last'mainte- $134,543, and consisted of lengthening the break- nance dredging was accomplished in 1971, and the water to 105 feet and protecting it with armor next dredging is scheduled for 1977. Federal ex- stone. In addition, the small natural basin was re- penditures for maintenance dredging of the harbor shaped and deepened. total $343,849. In the spring of 1970, the State of Hawaii report- The River and Harbor Act of 1962 authorized the ed that the harbor basin was obstructed by several modification of the existing barge harbor into a boulders. The Corps removed the obstructions and deep-draft harbor of approximately 62 acres, and a replaced a broken mooring buoy. Total Federal small boat harbor of about 10 acres for fishing and expenditures for the Kalaupapa Barge Harbor as of 31 December 1974 were $160,912. recreational boating. Construction of the deep-draft harbor, however, KAUNAKAKAI STREAM is contingent on the construction of a pineapple cannery proposed by private business. The post- Kaunakakai is the urban and commercial center ponement of this industrial plant has deferred con- of the island. Although it is not exposed to severe struction of the deep-draft harbor. winter storms like Kalaupapa on the north shore, it In 1969 and 1970, the State of Hawaii improved has had its own water resources problems. One of the existing wharf at Kaunakakai. At that time, they these problems was flooding during the winter also proceeded with the first portion of the small months. Heavy rainfall during November through boat harbor by dredging a small mooring basin and March often caused floodswhich costthe communi- entrance channel on the east side of the wharf. ty from $5,000 to $130,000 in damages. Typical losses and damages included the disruption of com- KALAUPAPA BARGE HARBOR munication, washed out bridges, filled in and caved in cesspools, uprooted trees, and mud and debris The small town of Kalaupapa is on the northern throughout the town. Prior to 1950, the flood plain coast of the island of Molokai. This coast is exposed of Kaunakakai Stream covered almost the entire to severe winter storms, and is characterized by business area of the town and a large part of the towering cliffs which make this side of the island residential district, a total of about 125 acres. inaccessible except bysmall boatsand lightaircraft. In response to the County of Maui's request for Interisland tugs and barges call at Kalaupapa flood protection, the Corps enlarged the capacity of during May through September when calm seas Kaunakakai Stream and flanked it with earth levees necessary for barge landing prevail. They seldom lined with rock facings. This levee and channel call during October to May because high waves project was completed in December 1950 underthe generated by winds from the north and northwest authority of Section 205 of the Flood Control Act of often force them to anchor offshore or to return to 1948. 41 4A. --6-- 4% W." Molokai, the only major island which is not served directly by transpacific vessels, depends on interisland barge shipments through Kaunak 47 During the 24-year period since the project was Corps completed a reconnaissance study of the completed, the levees and enlarged channel have problem in February 1972. This study indicated that completely controlled flood waters that would have the expenditure of Federal funds for a flood control otherwise damaged residential and commercial project for the Kapaakea community may be justi- property in Kaunakakai. It is estimated that this fied. Based on the results of the reconnaissance project has prevented flood damages totalling investigation, a detailed study of the flood problem $1,302,000 since 1950. was made under the authority of Section 205 of the Rood Control Act of 1948, as amended. Several KAPAAKEA HOMESTEAD AREA solutions to the flood problem were developed. They were discussed with Federal, State, and The Kapaakea Homestead is about a half-mile County officials, business firms, and residents dur- east of Kaunakakai. Approximately 200 people live ing several informal meetings and a formal public in this 23-acre residential subdivision which has a meeting on 17 January 1973. The plans were modi- history of floods, the most severe of which occurred fied in response to comments made during these during 31 October to 2 November 1961. meetings, and the revised plans were discussed in In 1963, the Corps studied the flood problem at a draft report which was circulated for additional Kapaakea i n response to a req uest f rom the Cou nty comments. Following evaluation of all comments of Maui. The study showed that the Federal Govern- received, the report containing the District Engi- ment could not participate in a flood control project neer's recommendations was completed and for- for the area. The flood problem in Kapaakea as well warded to the Office of the Chief of Engineers in as in other areas of Molokai persisted, and in Febru- December 1974. The plan recommended by the ary 1971 the Maui County Council passed a resolu- District Engineer consists of the construction of tion requesting the Corps to help them develop a diversion and protection levees on both banks up- flood control program for Molokai. Also, during a- stream and downstream of Kamehameha Highway, public meeting held by the Corps to discuss the and a debris basin at the upper end of the levee Rivers and Harbors of Hawaii study, residents of system. These improvements are designed to divert Kapaakea called attention to the flood problem in flows from the higher slopes above the subdivision their community and asked for assistance in solving into a defined waterway which would carry them this problem. In response to these requests, the into the ocean. LANAI 75@ 11 V 0Z -VLANAI TCITY -4@@ 1 44 z KAUMALAPAU @141 I E G E N D MANELE SAY SMALL BOAT HARBOR CONSTRUCTION COMPLETED 49 ISLAND OF LANAI MANELE HARBOR facility. Under the authority of Section 107 of the This harbor, on the southern coast of the island, River and Harbor Act of 1960, the Corps construct- was constructed by the State of Hawaii and con- ed a 470-foot-long rubblemound breakwater ex- sisted of berthing space for about 45 boats and tending from an existing 100-foot stub breakwater. limited protection against wave action. The State In addition, the Corps dredged a 12-foot-deep en- recognized that the harbor would be untenable trance channel and an 8-foot-deep main access during southerly storms, and therefore asked the channel and maneuvering area. Construction of the Corps to improve the navigation conditions at this project was completed in 1965. '4A i4 t @1@- .7, % Aerial view of Manele Small Boat Harbor (R, M. Towill photo) L E G E N D DEEP DRAFT HARBOR CONSTRUCTIO SMALL BOAT HARBOR CONSTRUCTIO BEACH! EROSION COMPLETED S FLOOD CONTROL OTHER (SEE S A R r,,A@ . ...... wl. - @'-kq KIHEI-4- @.j @,w t 01 2 3 4 MILES ,vA MAUI 51 ISLAND OF MAUI KAHULUIHARBOR The west breakwater was again damaged by a Kahului Harbor on the north shore of the island, severe storm in November 1970. Repair of the dam- is the only deep-draft harbor on Maui. The harbor ages was completed by the Corps in 1973. Total was built by the Kahului Railroad Company at the Federal funds spent on Kahului Harbor to 30 June turn of the century to assist the sugar companies in 1974 were $7,666,866. shipping raw sugar to Honolulu. At that time, the Commerce through Kahului Harbor totalled principal agricultural and commercial activity on 1,042,818 short tons in 1973. Sugar and molasses Maui was centered in the town of Wailuku. There- constituted one-third of the total tonnage. fore, building a harbor at Kahului adjacent to Wai- luku made good economic sense. From the naviga- tional point of view, however, Kahului was a poor LAHAINA HARBOR choice because of its exposure to waves generated The town of Lahaina on the west coast of Maui by winter storms from the north. As a result, the was an early whaling port and the first capital of harbor has been repeatedly damaged by storms Hawaii. Based on its historical significance, the over the years. town is included in the National Register of Historic The first Corps of Engineers project at Kahului Places. Lahaina was also one of 19 sites selected was completed.in December 1931. Since that time, during the Corps' study of the coasts of the Ha- the Corps has made additional improvements to the waiian Islands, the objective of which was to devel- harbor. As a result of improvements constructed op a basic statewide system of small boat harbors. in 1962, the Federal portion of the harbor consists Its selection was based on the inadequate capacity of: of the existing State-constructed harbor, the pres- A 2,766-foot-long east breakwater; sing need for berthing space as expressed by local A 2,315-foot-long west breakwater; boaters, and recognition of the impending growth A 600-foot-wide, 35-foot-deep entrance channel of the Lahaina area. between the breakwaters; and - Construction of a small boat harbor immediately A 2,050-foot-wide, 2,400-foot-long, 35-foot-deep north of the existing harbor was authorized by the harbor basin. River and Harbor Act of 1965. However funds for In 1966, sections of the breakwaters were rebuilt detailed engineering and design were not made in an attempt to strengthen these structures to available until 1968. During this period, detailed withstand the pounding storm waves. Tribars (re- plans for the historic restoration of Lahaina were inforced-concrete armor units) in 35-ton and 50-ton developed by local restoration groups, and the new sizes were used on the seaward ends of the break- harbor was found to conflict with the desired res- waters instead of boulders. toration of the Lahaina waterfront. Based on this A severe storm in December 1967 caused heavy conflict and boaters' desire for a larger harbor, the damage to a 130-foot section of the west break- Corps reevaluated the Lahaina Harbor project. Ex- water. Based on the success experienced with the tensive coordination was maintained with State "man-made stone", the Corps completed emer- and County agencies and the restoration groups. A gency repair of the damaged section using 19-ton public meeting was held in September 1970 to dis- tribars. Quarrystone was used to replace small cuss the alternative plans developed by the Corps stone washed out of the breakwater core. in response to prevailing needs and desires. In No- 4t Aerial view of Kahului Harbor, the only deepwater port on the island of Maui 53 vember 1970, the Corps completed its engineering or satisfactorily mitigated before construction can and design report which recommended construc- proceed. The Corps held a public meeting on 23 tion of a 380-boat harbor at a site about 1,000 feet January 1975 to obtain the public's views and com- north of the previous site. ments on the harbor's impact on the Lahaina His- Construction of this harbor has been approved. toric District. Based on the comments made during However, initiation of actual construction is pend- the meeting, the Corps is working with the State ing satisfactory compliance with Section 106 of the Historic Preservation Officer, the State Department National Historic Preservation Act of 1966. Because of Transportation, and the County of Maul in miti- the harbor site is within the recently determined gating the objections to the project, particularly boundaries of the Lahaina Historic District, the the visual impact of the harbor on the historic impact of the harbor on the district must be deter- district. minded and any adverse effect must be eliminated 4W, A new small boat harbor at Lahaina, originally sited immediately to the left of the existing harbor, was moved to the site shown above for compatibility with local plans for restoring Lahaina town. The impact of the new site on the Lahaina Historic District is being evaluated. 54 KIHEI BEACH IAO STREAM Kihei Beach is the general name given to the lao Stream originates on the easterly slopes of shoreline along the west coast of East Maui. This the West Maui Mountains. The stream flows in an shoreline has been eroding at a number of loca- east-northeasterly direction through lac, Valley and tions during the last 50 years, particularly during the town of Wailuku which occupies the coastal storms from the south such as those experienced plain fronting the valley. Duri.ng periods of heavy during 1951, 1955, 1959, and 1963. The erosion has rainfall, lao Stream peaks quickly because of its caused substantial loss of public lands and private steep slope, and overtops as well as erodes its banks beach frontage. In some instances, homesand other in many places. The accumulation of eroded ma- structures have been undermined and stretches of terial, debris, and boulders contributes to the flood the coastal highway have been threatened by the problem by plugging the channel. Damages to pub- erosion. lic and private property are minimal in the higher The Corps was requested to study the erosion reaches of the stream, but are severe within the problem in the Kihei area, and a public meeting was highly developed residential and commercial areas held in September 1963 on Maui. During the meet- of Wailuku and the agricultural areas above the ing, local residents pointed out that the Kihei shore- town. line, particularly at Kalama Park, is a major rec- The Corps of Engineers' involvement in flood reation area for the island, and that the park could control activities on lao Stream dates back to 1954 not withstand further erosion. when it completed emergency snagging and clear- -The Corps'study concluded that a Federal project ing of the stream. This work was accomplished to stop erosion was justified. The Corps recom- under the authority of Section 2 of the Flood Con- mended construction of a 25-foot-wide berm along trol Act of 1937, as amended, and cost $48,932. the entire length of Kalama Park and a rock revet- Emergency bank protection at the County of Maui's ment to protect the berm and park land from ero- Kepaniwai Park and at the Waiehu Beach Road near sion. This plan was approved for construction under the coast was completed by the Corps in 1972 at Section 103a of the River and Harbor Act of 1962, a cost of $96,775. as amended. Construction began in the fall of 1968. In addition to the emergency repair work, the The Kalama Park erosion control project was Corps completed a survey study of the flood prob- completed at a cost of $239,280 and was trans- lem in 1966. The plan recommended by the Corps ferred to the County of Maui in June 1971. was authorized for construction by the Flood Con- trol Act of 1968. Funds for detailed engineering and SHORES OF KAHULUI HARBOR design were provided by the Congress in 1974. In February 1971, the State of Hawaii asked the Because approximately seven years had elapsed Corps for assistance in solving the erosion problem since the project was authorized, the first steptaken along the shoreline of Kahului Harbor. A recon- by the Corps was to reevaluate the project's respon- naissance investigation made by the Corps indicat- sivenessto the prevailing problemsand needs on lao ed that the erosion problem may have resulted from Stream and the Wailuku area. the enlargement of the harbor in 1962, and recom- The evaluation showed that floods continue to be mended further study of the problem. A detailed a problem on lao Stream, and that flood control study was initiated in 1962 under the authority of improvements are still desired. The Corps is finaliz- Section 111 of the River and Harbor Act of 1968 ing detailed engineering and design of flood control which gives the Chief of Engineers the authority improvements for this stream. These improvements to investigate, study, and construct projects for the consist of a debris basin 2.5 miles upstream of the prevention or mitigation of shore damages attrib- stream mouth, and a combination of about 4,400 utable to Federal navigation works. feet of concrete channel with a system of levees The detailed study completed in 1973 recom - and floodwalls to protect lands adjacent to a 7,300- mended rehabilitation of an existing stone revet- foot reach of the stream where no channel improve- ment, construction of another revetment, replen- ments are proposed. The improvements are esti- ishment of two sections of the beach, and the mated to cost $9,950,000. The Federal Government construction of structures such as a breakwater and will assume $9,500,000 of the total cost and the groins to protect the replenished sections. The plan County of Maui will assume the remaining has been approved and construction of the improve- $450,000. ments is scheduled for mid-1975. 55 KAHOMA STREAM A survey study was completed by the Corps in Kahoma Stream and its main tributary, Kanaha August 1973 under the authority of Section 208 of Stream, originate high on the west slopes of the the River and Harbor Act of 1960. The survey re- West Maui Mountains. The streams are confined port which has been forwarded to the Office of the to narrow canyons until they reach the outwash Chief of Engineers for review recommends Federal plain above the town of Lahaina where they con- participation in flood control improvements for Ka- verge. Kahoma Stream then continues through homa Stream. The recommended plan consists of canefields and residential and commercial develop- realigning sections of the stream; constructing a ments, finally emptying into the ocean near Mala revetted outlet at the stream mouth, about 5,280 feet Wharf. of channel improvements, a diversion levee, rock The stream has a history of bank erosion and sill, and debris basin; and reconstructing three overtopping. The County of Maui requested the bridges, The total cost of the project is estimated Corps of Engineers to study the flood problem on to be $3,720,000. The Federal Government would Kahoma Stream under the authority of Section 205 pay for $2,502,000 of this cost, and the County of of the Flood Control Act of 1948, as amended. The Maui would assume the remaining $1,218,000. study was completed in 1967, and the total cost of the recommended plan of improvement was $2.4 OTHER million. Based on the $1 million Federal cost limita- tion under the Section 205 authority, $1.4 million Construction of a small boat harbor at Hana and of the project cost would have to be paid by the Maalaea was authorized by the River and Harbor County of Maui. This high cash contribution re- Act of 1965 and 1968, respectively. However, no quirement led to the County of Maui's request for funds for preconstruction planning work have been termination of the study under this authority, and received. initiation of a survey study. -ail 46w@ 7- Stranded residents swim through floodwaters along Kapunakea Street in the Kahoma Stream flood plain (State Department of Land and Natural Resources photo) HAWAI 1 02468 MILES Al t@ V A k 47 41 j@ A Am 4`e REEDS 'All BAY WAY60A f*"' t Z'j* M APJY A' LO -0.,J AF, "i4 K7A1 WU JI kwil 10, P@ H PT L E G E N D DEEP DRAFT HARBOR-44-n- CONSTRUCTION COMPLETED SMALL BOAT HARBOR CONSTRUCTION AUTHORIZED BEACH EROSION COMPLETED STUDY FLOOD CONTROL 57 ISLAND OF HAWAII HILO HARBOR funds spent on Hilo Harbor for work completed Hilo Harbor, second largest deep-draft harbor in through calendar year 1974 were $6,144,297. the state, is on the northeast coast of the island. The A project to provide protection from tsunamis harbor fronts the city of Hilo, the center of econ- and to improve navigation conditions in the harbor omic activity on the island and the second largest by reducing surge was authorized by the River and city in the state. During 1973, more than 1,041,000 Harbor Act of 1960. The Corps conducted hydraulic short tons of cargo passed through Hilo Harbor. model tests of various structural schemes. The tests The principal exports are sugar and molasses. The showed that conditions in the harbor could be im- principal imports are general cargo and petroleum proved by strengthening, rais 'ing, and lengthening products. the existing breakwater, constructing a 4,000-foot- The existing harbor was constructed in 1930, and long west breakwater and a 6,600-foot-long land consists of a rubblemound breakwater 10,080 feet dike. Further work on this project has been defer- long, an entrance channel 35 feet deep, and a har- red until the State decides on the course of action bor basin 1,400 feet wide, 2,300 feet long and 35 desired for the problems at this harbor. feet deep. Modifications to the harbor were autho- A Hilo Harbor modification study was authorized rized by the River and Harbor Acts of 1907, 1912, by House Resolution 739 of 9 May 1967 to deter- 1925, 1960, and 1962. Emergency repair of badly mine the feasibility of harbor modifications for deteriorated sections of the breakwater was ac- surge reduction. A gaging and data collection pro- complished in 1968 and 1973. Repair of the entire gram was conducted to determine the cause of breakwater was started in 1974 and is scheduled surge in the harbor. However, the results were to be completed in the near future. Total Federal inconclusive. Aerial view of Hilo Harbor with the city of Hilo in the background W KAWAIHAE DEEP-DRAFT HARBOR The Island of Hawaii's second commercial harbor was constructed in 1959 at Kawaihae, about 85 nautical miles northwest of Hilo. It serves an area from Milolii on the southwest coast to Honokaa on the northeast coast of the island. This area includes all of the Kona coffee producing land on the island, the majority of the island's cattle ranches, and part of the sugar producing region of the northeast coast. The harbor was created by dredging part of an extensive coral reef which extends 4,000 feet sea- ward and runs along the shore more than a* mile south of Kawaihae town. Harbor modifications con- sisting of widening the entrance channel and en- largi ng the basin were completed in 1973 under the authority of the River and Harbor Act of 1965. The 7: existing harbor has an entrance channel 500 to 520 feet wide, 3,270 feet long, and 40 feet deep. The harbor basin has an area of 71.8 acres and a depth of 35 feet. The basin is protected by a breakwater Local residents enjoy fishing from the pier at Kawaihae 2,650 feet long and by a fill area surrounded by Deep-Draft Harbor (State Harbors Division photo) 3,335 linear feet of stone revetment. Total Federal funds expended for the construction and improve- ment of Kawaihae Deep-Draft Harbor to 31 Decem- a possible site for a small boat harbor. The State of ber 1974 were $5,961,900. Hawaii and the Honolulu District Engineer concur- In 1973, a total of 385,850 short tons of cargo red, and the construction project, code-named passed through this harbor. Sugar and molasses PROJECT TUGBOAT, was approved by the Chief shipments constituted about two-thirds of the total of Engineers for immediate execution. cargo. The engineering technique which was demon- strated by PROJECT TUGBOAT was "explosive ex- KAWAIHAE SMALL BOAT HARBOR cavation", an alternative to conventional methods of excavation. In explosive excavation a large A small basin off the entrance channel of the charge (10 tons or more) of explosive is placed in Kawaihae Deep-Draft Harbor provides a sheltered a hole deeper than the final depth of excavation. anchorage for small craft. However, by the early When the charge is detonated it produces a wide 1960's the State of Hawaii recognized the growing shallow crater. If a series of these charges is simul- need for-a more extensive, better protected facility taneously detonated, they produce a crater shaped for small craft on the north end of the island of in the pattern of the series. In May 1970, three pat- Hawaii. As a result, the Congress authorized the terns of four charges each were detonated to pro- construction of the Kawaihae Small Boat Harbor in duce the entrance channel and berthing basin for the River and Harbor Act of 1965. the Kawaihae Small Boat Harbor. The authorized plan provided for the construc- PROJECT TUGBOAT also provided for the con- tion of a small boat harbor at the south end of the struction of a breakwater seaward of the craters to commercial harbor. In early 1969, the State of Ha- protect them from wave and current effects, and waii requested that a different site be used for the a launching ramp. At the completion of PROJECT small boat harbor and that the previous site be TUGBOAT, the Honolulu Engineer District received dredged to provide additional deep-draft berths. authority and funds to begin detailed design of a Coincident with this request, the U.S. Army Nu- small boat harbor at Kawaihae incorporating the clear Cratering Group (NCG) of Livermore, Califor- structural elements produced by TUGBOAT. The nia, in its search for a demonstration project, design was completbd in August 1971, and the proj- selected the reef south of the deep-draft landfill as ect has been approved for construction. 59 HONOKOHAU SMALL BOAT HARBOR KAIMU BEACH The small boat harbor at Honokohau just north Kaimu Beach, on the southeast shore of the island of Kailua Kona is one of the 19 harbors included of Hawaii, is a county park little used for swimming in the Statewide system of Federal/State recrea- and other beach activities but much visited for its tional and commercial fishing harbors. Construc- rare beaty. tion of the Honokohau Small Boat Harbor, author- The sands at Kaimu are black, a product of vol- ized by the River and Harbor Act of 1965, began canic glass and basalt fragments formed by rapid in June 1968 and was completed in March 1970. chilling and steam explosions which occurred when. The Federal portion of the project consists of a 120- a lava flow entered the sea around the year 1750. foot-wide, 840-foot-long, 15- to 20-foot-deep en- There are other black sand beaches on the island trance channel; a 120-foot-wide, 660-foot-long, but none are so easily accessible or so picturesque. 12- to 15-foot-deep main access channel; two wave The black sands at Kaimu are under constant absorbers 650 and 150 feet long; and a wave trap. attack from waves coming from the northeast, east, Federal funds spent on this harbor through 31 southeast, and south. Sand carried from the beach December 1974 totalled $781,036. by wave attack and currents is quickly lost in the The State of Hawaii has constructed berths for deep waters immediately south of the beach. Since about 40 boats. Plans to add more berths and shore- 1900, Kaimu Beach has eroded an average of about sidefacilities have been delayed due to conflictwith 275 feet along its entire length, an average annual the Honokohau Settlement, a registered National erosion rate of about 4 feet per year. The present Historic Landmark, on the northern boundary of the beach is little more than a ribbon of sand and ex- harbor. posed rock, and erosion is eating away at the coco- nut palms that fringe the beach. The Honolulu Engineer District was asked by the County of Hawaii to study the erosion problem at Kai mu to determine whether a solution to the prob- lem was feasible and Federal participation war- ranted. Several alternative solutions were studied and in September 1970 the District held a public meeting in Hilo to present these alternatives to the public. The recommended solution proposed that L a breakwater with a crest elevation of 0.0 feet mean low water (MLLW) be constructed offshore across the embayment to reduce the amount of wave .-A energy reaching the beach, and to block the cur- rents carrying sand from the beach. In addition, the width of the beach would be restored to about 75 feet using black sand material from a nearby cinder cone, and the small amount of sand lost through normal erosion processes would be replaced period ically. No opposition to the plan was raised at the meet ing, and the plan received the support of the County Council, the business community, and Puna resi- dents. However, a few months later it was severely attacked by surfers who claimed that Kaimu was an ancient surfing spot and still one of the finest surf- ing areas on the island. Based on the surfers' objections, The Corps re- Launching ramp and moored craft at Honokohau Harbor (State Harbors Division photo) evaluated the project. More than a year was spent in developing alternative solutions and in coordi- nating the plans with County of Hawaii officials, 60 the Governor's Office of Environmental Quality age and urban developments. Homes, businesses, Control, surfers, and interested citizens, particular- and parts of the University of Hawaii at Hilo were ly residents of the Kaimu (Puna) area. Conflict ex- all endangered during rainy seasons. isted between government officials and the Puna A flood control project, authorized by the Flood residents who desired immediate construction and Control Act of 1954, provided for a system of di- other government officials, surfers, and environ- version channels, levees, and box culverts to pro- mentalists who desired a more cautious approach tect the Waiakea (easterly) section of the city. The to the problem. Following many meetings, both project diverted the Kawili Stream into Waiakea formal and informal, a compromise plan was de- Stream and a channel in turn diverted the combined veloped. The plan provides for replenishment of a flows into a long, narrow natural swale. Further 1,600-foot reach of the beach with black sand from downstream, a levee diverted the flows into a new a nearby source, followed by a two-year monitor- excavated channel protected by earth levees. This ing program to observe the reaction of the beach channel diverted the accumulated waters to drain to natural forces, and construction of an offshore into the fresh water spring-fed Waiakea Pond, and breakwater if such a structure is determined to be then to disperse naturally into Wailoa River and out necessary to protect the beach. into the Pacific Ocean. The project was completed in August 1965, at a cost of $1,075,857. The efficiency of the new drainage and diversion system was tested within a year after construction. In July 1966, heavy rains flooded the Hilo area. The flood control channel carried the runoff and prevented m uch damage i n the area. Si nce the com- pletion of the project, flood damage and losses prevented are estimated at $154,000. OTHER Construction of a small boat harbor at Reeds Bay was authorized by the River and Harbor Act of 1965. However, no funds for preconstruction plan- ning work have been received. In 1973, the State of Hawaii provided anchor buoys in Reeds Bay as a temporary measure to accommodate small craft in the Hilo area. In 1974, the Corps studied the feasibility of Fed- eral participation in the construction of multiple- Coconut trees at Kaimu Beach are continually being purpose water resources improvements for the undermined by erosion Waipio River, Kohala-Hamakua area. The study was accomplished under the authority of Section 209 WAILOA STREAM FLOOD CONTROL of the 1962 Flood Control Act. It focused on the problems and needs resulting from natural forces The Island of Hawaii is physically the largest such as floods, and those concerned with the socio- and geologically the youngest of the islands. Be- economic welfare of the residents of the area in cause of its youth, the island's contours have not the way of better water and power service and yet had time to age and soften. Where on other water-oriented recreational opportunities. The islands streams flow -in well-defined channels, the study showed that, although Waipio Valley is sub- island of Hawaii's streams gush through swales and ject to flooding, flood control improvements could troughs formed by lava flows. not be justified because the valley is only sparsely Two streams, Waiakea and Kawili, originate on populated and developed for agricultural purposes. the eastern slopes of Mauna Loa and join into Similarly, Federal participation in the construction Wailoa Stream which winds its way to Hilo Bay. By of improvements for water supply, hydroelectric the 1960's, the city of Hilo had expanded to the power, and water-oriented recreation could not be point where conflicts arose between natural drain- economically justified. 61 FLOOD PLAIN MANAGEMENT SERVICES Flood plains are areas along streams and rivers areas on the island of Oahu; the Hanalei, Anahola, which nature has designated to receive overflows and Koloa-Poipu areas on the island of Kauai; the during storms. Flood plains are therefore an inte- Kihei area on the island of Maui; the Kamalo, gral part of the stream or river and floods within Kawela and Waialua areas on the island of Molo- these areas are natural occurrences. Flood damages kai, and for the city of Hilo on the island of Hawaii. are usually the result of man's occupation and use In order to respond to the many requests for of flood plains without first providing adequate flood hazard studies of specific areas, the Honolulu protection. Engineer District now cooperates with the State of Since the dawn of civilization, man has had a Hawaii Department of Land and Natural Resources magnetic attraction for streams and rivers 4nd their in publishing the basic information in a more sim- flood plains. Almost all of the nation's major cities ple and usable format centered around a map show- and many of the richest farms, most attractive ing the areas that would be inundated by floods of homes, and recreation areas have been developed various magnitudes. The following flood hazard in flood plains. As the nation continued to grow, map reports have been published in cooperation people began to occupy flood-vulnerable areas with the State Department of Land and Natural without concern for the flood problem and there- Resources: fore without first providing protection against Island of Kauai floods. The resulting damages from floods on the Wailua River adjacent streams orTivers have often been severe, Opaekaa Area and have led to the involvement of municipal, Hanamaulu Stream county, state and the Federal governments in de- Waikaea and Moikeha Canal veloping measures to control floods. Up to a few years ago, floods were controlled Island of Oahu primarily through the construction of dams, levees, Keaahala Stream channels, and similar structures. Recently, how- Wailupe Stream ever, increasing emphasis has been placed on the Kahuku Area basic solution which is to prevent man from oc- Kalauao Area cupying flood-vulnerable areas. This solution is Kalihi-Moanalua Area rather drastic and often impractical due to the ex- Makaha Area tent of existing developments. Therefore, although Waialae-Kahala Area it is considered to be the ultimate solution, more Waimea Area practical measures such as restricting the use of Kahaluu Area flood plain areas to that compatible with the flood Waialae-lki Area risk are being emphasized. To be effective, it is Waikane and Waiahole Areas necessary that the flood plain regulations be based Heeia Area on an understanding of the flood problem, the Waolani Stream areas subject to inundation by floods of various Hauula-Punaluu Area magnitudes, and the degree of risk involved. Island of Molokai section 206 of the 1960 Flood Control Act, as Pukoo Area amended, authorized the Corps of Engineers to West Molokai Area assist State and local governments in developing Island of Maui effective flood plain management programs by Kahoma Stream providing information on floods, flood damage po- lao Stream tentials, and general criteria and guidance on the Olowalu Stream use of flood plains. Under the flood plain manage- ment program, the Honolulu Engineer District pre- Island of Hawaii pared flood plain information reports for the Kaa- Puako to Anaehoomalu Area awa, Pupukea-Sunset Beach, and Waialua-Haleiwa 62 The Honolulu Engineer District also participates maps for flood plain regulation by local govern- in the Federal flood insurance program. This pro- ment. gram has two purposes: to make flood insurance The Federal, State, and County governments in available to the public at reasonable cost, and to Hawaii are working together to reduce the crip- encourage local governments to regulate develop- pling damages and loss of life and property from ment of flood-prone lands. To achieve these pur- floods. Structural measures have been used by the poses, the Federal government subsidizes premium Corps of Engineers and local government when- rates paid by the property owner to the insurance ever these measures were required due to the na- company, reinsures the company against catas- ture of the flood problem and the extent of develop- trophic loss, and requires local governments to ment in the flood plain. However, more and more, adopt f Iood plain regulations in order to be eligible Corps representatives and local government officals for flood insurance. are leaning toward a cooperative program between The Honolulu Engineer District provides techni- all levels of government and the use of nonstructur- cal information for this program. Corps specialists al as well as structural measures to alleviate flood establish risk zones, determine average annual problems. Flood plain management is considered damages for structures in these zones, and con- the primary nonstructural measure to minimize vert these damage figures to actuarial premium flood damages while allowing for man's use of the rates. They also prepare official flood insurance flood plains. maps showing rate zones, and official flood hazard 63 APPENDIX-LIST OF PROJECTS COMPLETED PROJECTS PROJECTS AUTHORIZED FOR CONSTRUCTION Island of Kauai , Island of Kauai Nawiliwili Deep-Draft Harbor Nawiliwili Deep Draft Harbor Modification Nawiliwili Small Boat Harbor Kikiaola Small Boat Harbor Port Allen Deep-Draft Harbor Hanapepe Beach Erosion Control Hanapepe River Flood Control Waimea Beach Erosion Control Island of Oahu Island of Oahu Honolulu Harbor Honolulu Harbor Modification Haleiwa Small Boat Harbor Barbers Point Deep-Draft Harbor Waikiki Beach Barbers Point Small Boat Harbor Haleiwa Beach Waianae Small Boat Harbor Kawainui Swamp Maunalua Bay Small Boat Harbor Kuliouou Stream Moanalua Stream* Kailua Small Boat Harbor Waialae lki Stream* Ala Wai Harbor Modification Waialae Nui Stream@ Kewalo Harbor Modification Niu Stream* Waikiki Beach Erosion Control Hahaione Stream* Kaaawa Beach Erosion Control Kapakahi Stream* Haleiwa Harbor Modification Omao Stream* Kaneohe-Kailua Area Flood Control and Related Island of Molokai Development Kaunakakai Harbor Island of Molokai Kalaupapa Barge Harbor Kaunakakai Deep-Draft Harbor Kaunakakai Flood Control Kaunakakai Small Boat Harbor Island of Maui Island of Maui Kahului Deep-Draft Harbor Lahaina Small Boat Harbor Kahului Deep-Draft Harbor* Hana Small Boat Harbor Kihei Beach Erosion Control lao Stream Flood Control lao Stream* Kahului Beach Road Island of Lanai Island of Hawaii Manele Bay Small Boat Harbor Kawaihae Small Boat Harbor Island of Hawaii Reeds Bay Small-Boat Harbor Hilo Harbor Kaimu Beach Erosion Control Kawaihae Deep-Draft Harbor Honokohau Small Boat Harbor Kawaihae Small Boat Harbor (Project Tugboat) Wailoa Stream Flood Control *Indicates construction performed under emergency authority. 64 AUTHORIZED SURVEY STUDIES IN PROGRESS OPERATIONS AND MAINTENANCE PROJECTS Comprehensive Statewide Study Statewide maintenance dredging of all deep-draft "Rivers and Harbors of Hawaii" harbors together with Kaunakakai Harbor, Island of Oahu Kalaupapa Landing, Haleiwa Small Boat Harbor, Kalihi Stream Flood Control and Manele Bay Small Boat Harbor Kaneohe Bay Urban Water Island of Maui Resources Study Repair of Kahului Deep-Draft Harbor Wailupe Stream (under Rivers and Harbors of Breakwater Hawaii) Island of Hawaii Island of Maui Repair of Hilo Harbor Breakwater Kahoma Stream Flood Control Island of Hawaii Hilo Harbor Modification SMALL PROJECTS STUDIES IN PROGRESS Island of Oahu Waialua-Haleiwa Flood Control Kualoa Beach Erosion Control Island of Molokai Kapaakea Stream Flood Control -CORPS OF 1 IAL - 17 7 5 @4'N 36668000023244