USACE seeks public input for Honolulu Harbor modification feasibility study

News Release from U.S. Army Corps of Engineers

HONOLULU, (March 23, 2023) - The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Honolulu District (USACE), in partnership with the State of Hawaii Department of Transportation (HDOT), is hosting two public scoping meetings, March 30 and 31 from 5 to 6:30 p.m., to seek input on the preparation of the Honolulu Harbor Modification Feasibility Study to address potential impacts with improving the Honolulu Harbor Federal navigation channel.

The goal of the study is to investigate alternatives to improve ship navigation efficiency, reduce transportation costs, maintain safety in Honolulu Harbor, and improve the resilience of Harbor operations to meet the demand for goods in Hawaii and U.S. territories in the Pacific.

The public is invited to attend in-person or virtually to learn about the study and submit comments during a 30-day public comment period which runs from April 1 to May 1, 2023. 

Date: March 30 and 31, 5 to 6:30 p.m.

(The same information will be presented at both meetings. The meetings will be recorded and posted to the study website for future viewing.)

Location:

Homer A. Maxey International Trade Resource Center Conference Room

521 Ala Moana Boulevard

Honolulu, HI  96813

Virtual:

Webx Online Platform Resource

https://usace1.webex.com/meet/jessie.k.paahana

Phone: (Audio Only)

U.S. Toll free: 1 (844) 800-2712

Access code: 1995 33 9315

Comments submitted by conventional mail should include: Name, Return Mailing Address, Phone Number, and reference “Honolulu Harbor Modification Feasibility Study Scoping”

Mail:

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Honolulu District

Civil and Public Works Branch (CEPOH-PPC)

230 Otake Street

Fort Shafter, HI  96858-5440

Email: HonoluluHarborMod@usace.army.mil

USACE Honolulu District and HDOT signed a feasibility cost sharing agreement Sept. 23, 2022, to initiate a new start study for Honolulu Harbor. The study is estimated to cost a minimum of $3 million, cost shared 50/50 between HDOT and USACE, and take a minimum of three years to complete.

This study will be used as a basis for ensuring compliance with NEPA and evaluating alternative plans, including the "No Action" plan. The proposed alternatives identified include widening and deepening Honolulu Harbor channels and basins and consideration of nonstructural measures. The modification of the Sand Island Bridge, also known as the Slattery Bridge, and opening of the Kalihi channel are also being considered. The Integrated Feasibility Report and NEPA document will address dredged material management requirements for construction and long-term operations and maintenance.

The evaluation will examine the costs and benefits as well as the environmental impacts of modifying the maintained dimensions of the existing Federal project. This Federal project was authorized by the Rivers and Harbors Acts of 1905, 1917, 1930 and 1954.  The Non-Federal Sponsor is the HDOT, Harbors Division. The authority to fund and conduct this feasibility study is Section 216 of the Flood Control Act of 1970 (Public Law 91-611).

For more information about the Honolulu Harbor Modification Feasibility Study or to subscribe to receive email updates visit the project website at: www.poh.usace.army.mil/Missions/Civil-Works/Civil-Works-Projects/Honolulu-Harbor-Modification/

The Public Notice can be viewed here: www.poh.usace.army.mil/Missions/Civil-Works/Public-Notices/