Kaopala Bay Shoreline Erosion, Maui

During the winter of 2017-2018, the shoreline erosion scarp at Kaopala Bay in West Maui began to encroach on Lower Honoapiilani Road.  The County of Maui, Department of Public Works contracted Sea Engineering, Inc. to evaluate the shoreline erosion processes at this location and provide alternatives for temporary and permanent protection. Work tasks included:

1. Site investigations by coastal scientists
2. Preparation of a site investigation report that included
   • Description of the oceanographic and coastal setting
   • Evaluation of possible coastal hazards
   • Description of the shoreline condition and the ongoing shoreline processes, including waves, current and sediment movement
   • Historical shoreline analysis of coastal erosion or accretion and shoreline changes at the project site using available aerial photographs
   • Erosion remediation options, concept designs, and discussion
3. Explaining the permitting requirements and regulatory environment for each remediation option to the client
4. Preparing and submitting permit applications for the remediation project