MEDIA RELEASE

The Hawaii Fishing & Boating Association hand-delivered a letter of thanks to Gov. Neil Abercrombie when he was in Kona last week, recognizing his commitment to maintenance and improvements at Honokohau Small Boat Harbor.

The 11-member Board of Directors lauded the governor for his recent release of $650,000, which had been appropriated in the last legislative session, to undertake much needed repairs and improvements at the harbor.

The funding was secured last legislative session by Big Island legislators Rep. Cindy Evans, Rep. Denny Coffman, Sen. Josh Green and Sen. Gil Kahele to:

* repair and replace the deteriorated fresh water distribution system

* relocate and upgrade the trailer boat wash down area

* refurbish the public restrooms with new stalls, floor sealant and new paint

* install solar lighting fixtures in the Harbor

* provide additional paving in high-traffic areas near the launch ramps

* build a multi-use public pavilion and visitors waiting area

“The Governor’s continuing interest in the issues of the Honokohau Small Boat Harbor and the ocean recreation community in West Hawaii that depends on the harbor facilities for berthing, maintenance, business services and recreational access to the ocean, is particularly appreciated by those of the boating community who have worked long and hard to get some of Honokohau’s long term maintenance issues resolved,” said Rick Gaffney, President of the Hawaii Fishing & Boating Association.

The HF&BA sees these positive changes, along with the addition of a new sewage pump-out facility (which already has full federal funding), and the recent improvements to water delivery and road paving, as representing a new beginning for this harbor, which is home to over 250 small businesses and the gateway to the ocean for our marine recreation community and local residents.

The HF&BA looks forward to continued improvements and to working with the state to be sure that the desire of this community to have a world-class marina facility continues to be addressed.

— Find out more:
www.hawaiifishingandboating.com