Kailua Boat Ramp, in disrepair since early 2020, endangers all beachgoers as a public safety hazard.

Kailua Boat Ramp was built in 1962. However, the boat ramp issues started in 1964 when emergency repairs were first needed. Councilwoman Barbara Marshall represented Kailua in 2008. The boat ramp was in disrepair in 2008 and cost was estimated at over $1 million. In June 2020, then-Council Chairman Ikaika Anderson appropriated $2 million for the boat ramp but Mayor Kirk Caldwell has not released the funds.

A group of local business owners, engineers and contractors have spoken with the state Department of Land and Natural Resources, state Department of Health and City Council to get the funds released so they can do emergency repairs on the boat ramp. But figuring out who has jurisdiction of the boat ramp is a tug of war between city and state, and seems to be a problem with getting funds released. However, the business owners are willing to donate the labor, but materials are estimated at under $1 million.

The boat ramp remains the only place boaters can launch in Kailua. Because of the emergency repairs needed, Kailua’s small boat owners must go to Heeia in Kaneohe.

Besides serving boaters, the boat ramp is part of Kailua’s culture. Our keiki learn a rite of passage there when they are taught about boating by their family members or talk story with fishermen returning to shore with their catch.

The current disrepair is a major liability to the city and the state. If a child gets submerged due to our current high-surf season, he or she could surely drown. That is not a burden the city or state would like to deal with. The current disrepair of the boat ramp is neglect on the city’s part. The flexible nylon “fence” that is anchored to the ramp is insecure and there is an absence of policing to keep users away.

Up to this date, meetings have taken place, a major construction company is ready and willing to do repairs, but city representatives are saying permits are needed. However, the repairs can be done for under $1 million without permits. This emergency repair will last at least 20 years and will give the city (or state) time to determine what to do going forward.

Kailua residents are very concerned about the public safety hazard and are hoping that the mayor will sign off on emergency repairs. Right now, the danger to users of the boat ramp is a glaring hazard. It is imperative that this be repaired as soon as possible.

We sincerely hope that Mayor Caldwell will sign off on the repairs and restore the boat ramp to its functionality before the end of this year. The emergency repairs will safely return the boat ramp to serving boaters and our community.

Toni Pedro is founder of Malama Kailua, a community advocacy group.