Molokai, Maui and Oahu to receive $8M to improve harbors, support economy

Three Hawaiian Islands will receive $8,218,000 in federal funding to improve, and bolster the operation of, several Hawaii harbors, congressional officials announced Monday.

The more than $8 million in new funds — which are being disbursed to the Islands under the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law — come from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. It will be used to support dredging, which removes sediment and other debris from the harbors’ shipping channels, and surveying, which gathers the necessary information to keep waterways properly maintained.

The $8.2 million in funding includes $3,365,000 for the Kaunakakai Harbor on Molokai; $3,270,000 for the Kahului Harbor on Maui; and $1,583,000 for the Haleiwa Small Boat Harbor on Oahu.

“These much-needed repairs and improvements will make shipping safer, support commercial fishing, and make sure goods are able to move throughout the state, benefitting Hawaii families and small businesses for years to come,” said U.S. Sen. Brian Schatz, chairman of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Transportation, Housing and Urban Development, in a statement.