The dredging project at Wailoa Small Boat Harbor in Hilo, Hawai‘i, has reached completion. The contractor concluded operations on November 27 and plans to remove its barge from the harbor by December 7. This marks the final step in a project that began in July.
Initially budgeted at $3.1 million, the project's cost rose to $4.8 million. The Division of Boating and Ocean Recreation (DOBOR), which oversees the harbor, covered this overrun using its Boating Special Fund sourced from statewide fees.
Meghan Statts, DOBOR administrator, expressed gratitude for public support: “We appreciate the public’s patience, understanding, and advocacy as DOBOR navigated the permitting and funding hurdles to get this project completed before the end of the year.” She also acknowledged legislative backing: ”We also appreciate the legislature for recognizing the importance of this project and providing funding.”