Save Kailua Boat Ramp

We have been asking the City for help for over 10 months now. A “group of boat ramp users” never demanded to take matters into their own hands or to release CIP funds "for their use" as FALSELY stated by the two directors in today's paper.

The outgoing Mayor and officials were given (for free) a proposal and design plan for a temporary repair drafted by a highly qualified contractor that is an expert in ocean construction. The current condition of the boat ramp puts the public in great danger and should be declared an emergency, something that will bypass permit requirements and is a process commonly used by the city to expedite emergency work and release emergency funds. The temporary repair proposed would buy the government 10-20 years to finalize plans for reconstruction and would save the city millions in future maintenance costs and potential lawsuits.

This is exactly why the public gets discouraged when trying to deal with the bureaucracies of city and state officials. When presented with a solid solution, we are not only publicly criticized, they still have no solution to fix the problem except "use the Heeia Kea Boat Ramp". This administration's failure to act is passing on a huge liability and dangerous situation to incoming leaders.

Our only hope is that the new administration will put public safety and protection of our public resources ahead of politics and do the right thing.
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We've made some progress...a meeting was held at the boat ramp on Friday. Current and incoming legislators from both the City and State were there, neighborhood board members, residents with construction and engineering expertise, and the head of the Parks Maintenance Department discussed both short and long-term options for repair.

Councilman Texeira will investigate options with the Director of the Department of Parks and Rec. A public-private partnership with a local engineering firm and construction company is an approach we hope the City will approve and release emergency funds for materials.

We expect to hear back from the City this week.