Progress on Pohoiki dredging appears to be progressing favorably, according to DLNR.
The Pohoiki Boat Ramp dredging project, which aims to clear about 42,000 cubic yards of volcanic debris from the area, began in early June 2025. This significant undertaking, managed by the Division of Boating and Ocean Recreation, may be completed ahead of schedule, with an estimated completion date around November 2025.
The project, which involves the removal of black sand, rocks, and boulders deposited by the 2018 eruption of Kilauea, has been ongoing for two weeks. The project engineer, Finn McCall, has expressed surprise at the progress made by contractor Goodfellow Bros., with the excavation currently about halfway done as of late June 2025.
Once the inner basin is cleared, a crane will create a wide, approximately 320-foot entrance to the boat ramp, making it accessible once again. This is particularly significant as Pohoiki's boat ramp serves the local fishing community, which has been affected by the blockage since the eruption.
The total cost of the project is approximately $9.28 million, primarily funded by state funds after FEMA funds were not fully secured. Continuous monitoring will be necessary post-completion to determine when future dredging might be required.
The inaccessibility of the boat ramp has had a significant impact on the local community. Since the blockage, boats from the Puna area have had to launch from and travel to Wailoa Small Boat Harbor in Hilo, making the trip expensive and time-consuming. Furthermore, several small commercial fishing operations reportedly went out of business during the blockage.
Prior to the dredging, there was no designated channel at Pohoiki, only an open bay. Unlike most dredging projects at state small boat harbors, this project involves the removal of a lot of heavy material instead of fine sediment and sand.
It remains unclear how often Pohoiki will need to be dredged after the project is complete. However, the project is a crucial step towards restoring access to the popular gathering place for people and families, Pohoiki Boat Ramp and Isaac Hale Beach Park.
The "hot pond" formed at the bottom of the blocked boat ramp is strictly prohibited for swimming, as the area is an active construction site and is closed around-the-clock. The community is eagerly awaiting the completion of the project, which promises to revitalise the local fishing industry and restore access to a beloved recreational area.
[1] State of Hawaii News Release, "Pohoiki Boat Ramp Dredging Project Underway," June 2025. [2] Hawaii Tribune-Herald, "Puna Fishing Community Welcomes Dredging Project," June 2025. [3] West Hawaii Today, "Pohoiki Boat Ramp Dredging Project Ahead of Schedule," July 2025.
- The completion of the Pohoiki Boat Ramp dredging project may positively impact the local fishing community, as it could revitalize the fishing industry and restore access to a recreational area.
- As the project progresses, concerns regarding the environmental impact, particularly the disposal of volcanic debris, will be a crucial consideration for the Division of Boating and Ocean Recreation.
- The renewable-energy sector may find opportunities to collaborate with the state and local industry, potentially focusing on developing sustainable solutions for transportation needs post-dredging, such as public-transit systems and electric automotive vehicles.
- The aerospace industry could also see benefits, with the cleared boat ramp potentially becoming a hub for transportation of goods and people, including supplies for nearby Hawaiian Space Center operations.
- To secure funding for future dredging projects, it would be beneficial for state finance departments to explore public-private partnerships with businesses and environmental-science institutions focused on managing and maintaining sustainability in coastal communities.
- As the Pohoiki Boat Ramp dredging project continues, it's essential to consider the wider implications for the manufacturing sector. With a reopened boat ramp, there could be an increase in demand for boats, possibly leading to job creation and stimulating economic growth in the region.
