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Coast Guard reopens ports in Hawaii, Lanai pending assessment

Photo By Chief Warrant Officer Sara Muir | The Horizon Pacific enters the commercial port of Honolulu as the first cargo ship to...... read more read more

HONOLULU, HAWAII, UNITED STATES

08.25.2018

Story by Chief Petty Officer Sara Muir

U.S. Coast Guard District 14 Hawaii Pacific

HONOLULU — The Coast Guard Captain of the Port reopened all remaining commercial ports in Hawaii as of 9 a.m with the exception of Lanai Saturday following the downgrading of Tropical Storm Lane and completion of port assessments.

Honolulu, Maui, and Kauai County ports saw limited impacts. The assessment of Kalamauapau Harbor on Lanai pends.

“Restoring this vital commerce has been a top priority," said Capt. Michael Long, Coast Guard Captain of the Port. “Cargo vessels and barges offshore can bring in their cargo, cargo already at the port can be processed and distributed to Hawaii. We are continuing damage assessments.”

Crews from the Department of Land and Natural Resources, the Coast Guard and maritime industry assessed the ports at first light. The teams surveyed aids to navigation and evaluated any damage to water channels and shore facilities. The Coast Guard coordinates with the State of Hawaii and port partners to ensure vessels can transit safely, tie up and receive services, offload their cargo and return to the sea.

“Opening the ports on Hawaii Island was a positive first step,” Long said. “We’re pleased we were able to speed our other assessments along and appreciate the strong relationship with our partners to restore commerce. Lanai is pending assessment but should be open soon.”

The Coast Guard will continue to Broadcast Notice to Mariners and send out Marine Safety Information Bulletins to notify the maritime community as needed. All maritime users are requested to monitor the progress of this remaining storm and heed all warnings.