Mānele Small Boat Harbor Road Reopens with New Traffic Flow

by Anthony Kaauamo

The road at Mānele Small Boat Harbor has reopened after years of disruptions caused by recurring water main breaks and ongoing infrastructure challenges. The Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) issued the following press release on November 4, 2024:

Road Opens In Mānele Small Boat Harbor

After eight months of closures, most of the roadway in Mānele Small Boat Harbor has reopened. Multiple water main breaks created issues with the section between the upper road and the lower, makai road.

The middle section of the roadway will remain closed until further notice.

Division of Boating and Ocean Recreation (DOBOR) staff has updated the signage in the harbor to help with the flow of traffic and has reopened the remaining roadway throughout the harbor as of October 30, 2024.

DOBOR is currently working on a solicitation to repaint the roadway lines. That project is estimated to start in December 2024.

New Traffic Flow and Community Concerns

The reopening of Mānele Small Boat Harbor road includes a revised circular traffic flow, with vehicles entering from the upper road and exiting through the back parking lot. To help drivers navigate the changes, DOBOR has installed updated signage. Despite these efforts, reports indicate that some drivers remain unaware of the new rules, leading to incidents of vehicles, including emergency vehicles and buses, traveling against the intended flow.

During a DLNR community listening session held on November 16 at the Lāna‘i Filipino Clubhouse, concerns were raised about the lack of visible roadway markings contributing to confusion. In an email to Lāna‘i Today, DOBOR Administrator Meghan Statts addressed the issue, stating, “We are soliciting roadway painting for traffic flow.” She confirmed that thermoplastic striping, designed for durability in marine environments, will be used, with work expected to begin in late December or early January.

It was also suggested that updated traffic maps be distributed to commercial operators, such as Trilogy and Expeditions, to better inform passengers. Additionally, concerns about the lack of enforcement of traffic rules were raised, with warnings of increased risks of collisions during peak harbor use.

Many criticized the lack of community consultation about changes at the harbor, particularly the revised traffic flow system. Suggestions were made to reinstate the Mānele Harbor Advisory Committee, which could serve as a platform for regular updates and input from stakeholders.

DLNR Chairperson Dawn Chang acknowledged these criticisms. “We’re hearing your concerns, and we’ll take them back to our divisions,” she said. The department is exploring ways to better disseminate information through its website and social media platforms.

Persistent Infrastructure Issues

The middle section of the harbor roadway remains closed for the foreseeable future due to vulnerabilities in the water main beneath it, compounded by the high cost of repairs, lack of available funding, and the effects of sea level rise. According to Statts, these vulnerabilities are attributed to high water pressure and improper bedding material used during the original pipe installation, leading to repeated ruptures over the years.

Statts explained to Lāna‘i Today that water main ruptures occurred in 2003, 2008, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023 and 2024. “Following each rupture, the roadway was reopened for a few months, followed by another rupture in the water line calling for another closure,” she said. The extended closure between 2020 and 2022 was attributed to COVID-19 restrictions and challenges in contractor availability.

To address the issue of water main leaks, a pressure-reducing valve (PRV) station has been installed just after the water main junction at the harbor entrance. “This PRV reduces pressure within the harbor water system that should result in fewer leaks within the water system,” Statts stated. However, the water main junction outside the harbor has not been replaced. Statts recommended that “Lāna‘i Water Company should also install a pressure-reducing valve station on the main system to prevent future water leaks.”

Sea level rise presents additional challenges, with anticipated impacts on the harbor’s infrastructure. An upcoming University of Hawai‘i study on sea level rise and its effects on state harbors, including Mānele, aims to inform long-term planning and potential solutions for underground utilities and structural deficiencies.

Staying Safe and Informed

Drivers are urged to adhere to the new traffic pattern to prevent accidents. Updated maps of the traffic flow are available on the DLNR/DOBOR website and social media accounts. Printed copies may also be distributed to commercial operators in the harbor.

For those who wish to follow updates or voice additional concerns, a recording of the recent Lāna‘i listening session is available online at https://vimeo.com/showcase/10775635. 

Community members can also contact DLNR through the following channels:

Main Office:
Kalanimoku Building,
1151 Punchbowl St.,
Honolulu, HI 96813

Phone: (808) 587-0400
Email: dlnr@hawaii.gov

For specific inquiries related to the harbor, contact the Division of Boating and Ocean Recreation (DOBOR) at:
Phone: (808) 587-1966