U.S. Coast Guard Schedules Boom Operations at Nawiliwili Harbor

The launch ramp and wharfage area at Nawiliwili Small Boat Harbor inlet will be temporarily shut down next week as the U.S. Coast Guard conducts boom operations.

The contract response team will perform two boom operations on Tuesday, Jan. 25. The booming is for the USCG Sector Honolulu Geographic Response Strategy in the event of a spill in the harbor.

The first operation will take place at the Department of Transportation Pier A from 8-10 a.m. Ingress and egress into the harbor will not be affected during these times.

Secondary boom operations will happen at the mouth of the Huleia River and the Nawiliwili Small Boat Harbor inlet from 10 a.m. to noon. Access to and from the recreational launch ramp and wharfage area will be restricted with no ingress or egress permitted.

“Shutting down our launch ramp and wharfage area is only a temporary inconvenience for harbor users but will pay-off for all users and the marine environment in the event of a spill,” stated Jeremiah Aguilera, Acting Kaua‘i District Manager for the DLNR Division of Boating and Ocean Recreation. “So, we appreciate everyone’s understanding and patience.”

The USCG tests and validates GRS at different harbors each year by deploying booms to contain potential spills.