Over three years ago the Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR), while attempting to extend the long time man made reef off Keawakapu Beach, had a tragic mishap while dropping 1400 two ton huge reinforced concrete modules, when 125 of them fell on live coral in error. Over the past 37 months the DLNR has investigated and pondered who was at fault, why it happened, and what should be done, if anything, to mitigate the damage.
A public turn out of less than two dozen attended the DLNR public meeting this Thursday (1/10/13) at 6:00 PM at the Whale Sanctuary to listen to to technical reports and offer their input on which of the three options was most favorable. Most who voiced opinions said leave them where they are.
See http://mauitvnews.com/blog/ for a video report and http://www.mauinews.com/page/content.detail/id/568873/Removal-of-concrete-from-reef-opposed.html?nav=10 for Sunday’s (1/13/13) Maui News report.
I am no expert, but perhaps it is best to leave the concrete modules in place (kind of like sunken planes, boats, etc., which hopefully will encourage more reef growth).
Sounds like moving them will cause further damage ecologically. Whoever is found at fault should pay for restoration of reef – there or elsewhere. Make lemonade out of lemons….
Unfortunatetly the State Government, specifically the DLNR was found to have the most fault, so sustained the biggst fine, which means the taxpayers pay the bill.