A virtual public meeting to discuss the Draft Environmental Assessment for the Pohoiki Boat Tramp Dredging of Volcanic Debris project is scheduled for 5 to 7 p.m. on May 10, according to a news release.
The Department of Land and Natural Resources Division of Boating and Ocean Recreation owns and maintains the Pohoiki Boat Ramp facility and invites the community to participate in the discussion.
The proposed project aims to restore access to the ramp by removing volcanic debris that has accumulated in Pohoiki Bay through excavation and dredging.
The public can view the DEA online. Hard copies are also available at the Pahoa, Mountain View and Hilo Public Libraries.
Written comments on the DEA are due May 23 and can be emailed to trevor@tlcghawaii.gov or finn.d.mccall@hawaii.gov.
The public can access the Zoom meeting:
Meeting ID: 868 4295 3471
Passcode: 755470
The 2018 eruption of Kilauea sent lava into the lower East Rift Zone, creating a new beach and cutting access from the boat ramp to the ocean. As a result, ocean rescue services, commercial fishing, food sustainability practices, and tour and recreational opportunities have been negatively impacted.
Sarah Yamanaka covers events, environmental and community news for Spectrum News Hawaii. She can be reached at sarah.yamanaka@charter.com.
