Harbors

Harbors Celebrates Holidays, Employees

On December 19, 2019, Harbors Division employees gathered to celebrate the holidays and to recognize employees’ years of service and perfect attendance. The time was filled with laughter and praise, and provided time for employees from Harbors Admin and the District/Base Yard to connect. There were great foods, homemade desserts, games and raffle prizes, but the best prize of all was staff’s 8 days of Christmas song to Deputy Director Derek Chow. The wishes for the 8 days till Christmas included admin time off, eSign, and new equipment.

Removing Derelict Vehicles a Priority to Maintain Safe, Efficient Navigation By: Neil Takekawa

On June 20, 2019, the Kulamanu, formerly known as the Windjammer Cruises’ Rella Mae, departed Honolulu Harbor for the last time. The vessel was towed to a facility at Kalaeloa Barber Point Harbor for final preparation for disposal at sea. Then on July 11, 2019, the vessel was towed 19 miles south of Kaena point and sunk in about 8,570 feet of water. dismantle the vessel and sell the parts, dispose of the vessel or even turn it into a restaurant. You may recall the bow of a boat was used at the former Sam Choy’s on Nimitz or the Oceania Floating Restaurant at pier 6. The winning bidder for the Kulamanu chose to dispose of the vessel by scuttling at sea, cutting strategic holes in the bow and filling the vessel with water.

After years of neglect by the owner, the Kulamanu deteriorated into a threat to the safe operations of Honolulu Harbor. Harbors Division impounded the vessel after the owner defaulted. After an unsuccessful attempt to auction the vessel, Harbors Division secured a contract for removal of the vessel from Honolulu Harbor.

Harbors Division takes a slightly different tact for derelict vessels, which is to remove the vessel and provide a final disposition report. This allows the bidders to develop creative ideas such as to refurbish the vessel for resale, Although it is a sad end to a vessel, removing derelict vessels from Honolulu Harbor has been a priority for Harbors Division as Honolulu Harbor is the hub of the hub-and-spoke system to deliver goods throughout the state. Derelict vessels during a storm or hurricane can sink in the harbor blocking traffic and stopping commerce, not just for Oahu but for the entire state. Harbors Division has successfully removed 36 vessels from Honolulu Harbor in the last 2 years at great effort by the Oahu District personnel. However, it is this coordinated diligent effort that is needed to keep our harbors operating.