MAALAEA – The state Department of Land and Natural Resources’ Division of Boating and Ocean Recreation recently started a $2.8 million project to remove and replace a badly deteriorated pier adjacent to the Maalaea Small Boat Harbor new ferry terminal building.

When completed, it will provide a new pier for the Lanai ferry and other vessels to load and unload passengers.

It will complement the recently completed $16 million ferry and harbor improvement project by Hawaiian Dredging Construction Company.

The project scope of work includes the removal of existing fiberglass grating and steel frame, concrete pier decking and beams. The existing piles will be repaired and reused.

The new pier will consist of reinforced concrete beams and decking, aluminum decking supported by an aluminum frame, and 4-foot by 10-foot reinforced plastic fendering to protect the new pier.

The new pier will be durable (corrosion resistant) and require minimal maintenance over its 25-year lifespan.

The contractor, Hawaiian Dredging Construction Company, began in-water work this month. The project will be completed in April 2016.

Work on the ferry pier should not impact harbor users, since the pier has been closed for several months.