Community members and organizations gathered at the Maunalua Bay Boat Ramp to mark the completion of the Maunalua Bay Improvement Project with a final blessing ceremony. The project, which began in July 2025, was completed two months ahead of schedule by American Marine Corp., staying within the original contract price.
Meghan Statts, Administrator of the Division of Boating and Ocean Recreation (DOBOR), said, “The Hawaiʻi State Legislature provided $5 million in capital improvement funds and the DLNR Division of Boating and Ocean Recreation (DOBOR) added another $2.6 million from our own operating funds, because we understood the importance of the full project to boaters and paddlers. They’ve waited a long time, and we wanted to be sure this community got what it needed. With these improvements, our local ʻohana will be able to enjoy both the facility and the newly restored sandy beach.”
Statts also stated, “This collaborative endeavor would not have been possible without the support of Governor Josh Green, the Hawaiʻi State Legislature and all community stakeholders who were instrumental in providing input and support from project inception to project completion.”
According to DOBOR’s research, this is the first dredging of Maunalua Bay channel since its original construction by Henry J. Kaiser between the late 1950s and early 1960s.
Finn McCall, DOBOR Lead Engineer, commented on the outcome: “This project has been a remarkable success and is a model for community and state collaboration. We’ve made substantial facility enhancements that will benefit multiple users, including canoe paddlers, recreational and commercial fishermen, recreational boaters and beach goers for many years to come.”
The Hawaii State Executive – Governor supports various initiatives aimed at helping communities recover from wildfires, expanding healthcare access, addressing homelessness through housing programs, advancing renewable energy efforts and influencing public policy on issues like tax reform for affordability. The office collaborates with different groups across Hawaii’s regions—including areas affected by disasters—and works on safe housing options while fostering statewide cooperation on important matters such as climate change (official website).
