CURRENT PROJECT STATUS
Construction on the new multipurpose building for the Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary began the last week of October 2005. The 10-month project will be completed in August of 2006 and will provide an expanded facility for research and education programs that will enhance humpback whale protection in Hawai‘i. The new facility will also offer additional opportunities for education on the marine environment and provide a venue for community meetings. This new building will complement the existing “landmark” blue office building and mural painted education center.
Construction Update as of December 2005
During the first phase of construction, the site was graded and sand was moved to replenish the existing sand dune system adjacent to the property in coordination with the County of Maui. Restoration efforts to stabilize the sand dunes and the eroding shoreline were impacted by winter swells. Long-term protection of the shoreline is a concern that still needs to be addressed.
Over 50 piles were driven in order to provide the base for the new building. The majority of the piles were driven over a 3-day span to minimize impacts to neighbors. Preliminary investigations indicated that the pile driving on land would have no acoustic impact to marine life, but in order to verify this the sanctuary commissioned a study to determine the underwater noise levels associated with the pile driving operation. The research team reported that a signature of the pile driving sound was recorded, however it was very faint. Preliminary assessment is that pile driving on land had a negligible affect on the whales.
The next phase of construction will be installation of the underground electrical and plumbing scheduled to start in January and completed in just over a week.
SITE ACCESS
The sanctuary office will remain open during the majority of the construction period, though site access will be limited. Public parking will not be available on the sanctuary property during construction, however visitors and residents will be able to continue to use neighboring Kalepolepo Park as normal.
PROJECT MANAGEMENT
This new facility is being constructed for the Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary which is managed by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and the State of Hawaii through the Department of Land and Natural Resources. The project is managed for NOAA by the Naval Facilities Engineering Command (NAVFAC) which is based in Honolulu. Construction of the facility has been contracted to Oceanic Companies, Inc. by NAVFAC.
MORE INFORMATION
Please continue to visit this website for other information. Continued feedback from Kihei residents, businesses and visitors is encouraged by emailing hihumpbackwhale@noaa.gov.
PROJECT LOCATION
Since 1994, when the Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary first established its presence in Kihei, it has taken a role in protecting the endangered humpback whale and its habitat in Hawaii. The familiar blue buildings have become a landmark on Kihei's coast representing the special significance of Maui's protected waters as the center piece for a marine sanctuary dedicated to the humpback whale.
Through its public programs and special educational offerings for school children the sanctuary has informed locals and visitors alike about the ecological and cultural significance of the marine environment. In addition, the sanctuary sponsors research and resource management programs from this office. Due to the success of the sanctuary's program and its continued growth to insure protection for Hawaii's humpback whales, the sanctuary is planning on renovating existing facilities, building a new multi-purpose building on site and removing the existing storage sheds. This new building will house additional office space for staff, storage facilities and have a large space for public programs.
To learn more about this exciting new venture happening at the sanctuary's Kihei office please click on the following links:
Frequently Asked Questions provide a quick summary of the Purpose and Need and Background of the project.
Purpose and Need contains the planning process, proposed action, alternatives, and assessment of the environmental impacts.
Background includes facility location and history, sanctuary mission, project need, and brief description of sanctuary activities.
Comments from various agencies and the general public received during the Draft Environmental Assessment process are addressed.
Photos include preliminary drawings, photos of the site, and the presentation used at the public meetings that were held to inform the community about the project.
FOR MORE INFORMATION EMAIL THE KIHEI FACILITIES PROJECT TEAM AT hihumpbackwhale@noaa.gov
