PO‘IPU — A public-private partnership between the county, state and local organizations has resulted in the Po‘ipu Beach restoration study becoming a reality, a county news release states. The Hawai‘i Tourism Authority ($75,000), Po‘ipu Beach Foundation ($50,000), and the County
PO‘IPU — A public-private partnership between the county, state and local organizations has resulted in the Po‘ipu Beach restoration study becoming a reality, a county news release states.
The Hawai‘i Tourism Authority ($75,000), Po‘ipu Beach Foundation ($50,000), and the County of Kaua’i ($182,558) have all contributed towards a comprehensive study on the popular South Shore beach where a high rate of erosion is taking place along the shoreline, raising safety issues and concerns for the loss of that natural resource.
Most recently, the Kaua‘i County Council accepted the donation from the Po‘ipu Beach Foundation.
“What has been presented to the council is a plan that manages the vision and value of our community in Po‘ipu. It is a model that can inspire and motivate entire communities. It promotes a sense of place as well as good stewardship,” said Council Chair Jay Furfaro. “We are very appreciative of the collaboration.”
Mayor Bernard Carvalho Jr. said, “Coastal erosion and its related impacts are a great concern to us from an environmental, economic and social aspect. The Po‘ipu Beach restoration study will help us to assess the impacts of erosion, along with potential remedies and mitigation measures.”
Sea Engineering Inc., a coastal engineering firm headquartered in Honolulu, was awarded a $307,558 contract to conduct the study, which is expected to be completed by the end of 2012.
This study will include a detailed analysis of past and present climate and wave patterns, as well as existing onshore conditions, in order to develop alternatives for a large scale 6,000 cubic yard beach restoration project at Po‘ipu Beach.
Such a project is expected to improve public safety by reducing the likelihood that the tombolo, the sandbar connecting Po‘ipu Beach with Nukumoi Point, will wash away in the foreseeable future.
The study will also identify and document suitable offshore sand sources from Makahuena Point to Kamilo Point for use in future coastal restoration projects along the south shore.
A related undertaking that is also underway is the Po‘ipu Beach nourishment project. This project involves the placing of 499 cubic yards of sand on Po‘ipu Beach that is compatible with the sand that is currently there.
Funding for the beach nourishment project is provided through a partnership between the county and the Po‘ipu Beach Foundation.
