The marginal pier and utility improvements project replaced the old outer wooden marginal wharf at the harbor. PHOTO BY DONNELL TATE.

LAHAINA – The state Department of Land and Natural Resources’ Division of Boating and Ocean Recreation invites the public to attend a dedication ceremony on Friday, Feb. 22, for the recently completed Outer Marginal Wharf Project at Lahaina Small Boat Harbor.

A public information meeting for future harbor projects will be held after the dedication ceremony at the entrance to the wharf from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m.

The marginal pier and utility improvements project replaced the badly deteriorated, 800-foot-long outer wooden marginal wharf at the harbor.

Contractor Sea Engineering Inc. completed the $2,160,367 job.

For more information, call Andrea Kualapai at (808) 587-0175 or Eric Yuasa, DLNR boating engineer, at (808) 587-0122.

According to DLNR, the existing wooden marginal pier along the harbor’s outer breakwater was over 30 years old, exceeded its usable life and was beyond repair.

Portions of the pier and utilities were badly damaged by the March 1, 2011 tsunami and were temporarily repaired to remain operational.

This project replaced the existing wooden marginal pier and utilities with a new and wider engineered aluminum framed pier with fiber reinforced plastic (FPP) grating and new utilities.

According to the state, materials for the new dock system were selected because of their durability and low maintenance.

Also, the dock system, which is made up of modular sections, can be easily and quickly repaired if it is damaged.

The new FRP grating that is slip-resistant allows wave energy to flow through the grating instead of being trapped under the pier.

Designed by Mitsunaga and Associates Inc., the color of the grating and fendering, as well as the light fixtures, were selected to comply with Lahaina Historic District guidelines.