Wave Climate and Wave Response
Study, Kawaihae Harbor, Island of
Hawaii, Hawaii
Description
Kawaihae Harbor, located along the
northwest coast of the Island of Hawaii, is
one of two deep-draft ports serving the
island. The harbor (see figure)
accommodates commercial, military, and
recreational users. In recent years, cargo
volume handled at Kawaihae Harbor has
expanded significantly in response to
increasing population and development of
West Hawaii. A 2650-ft long rubble- mound
breakwater along an exposed coral reef
protects the harbor from ocean waves. The
harbor entrance is about 700 ft wide, facing
northwest. Ocean wind waves and swell can
attack the harbor complex from deep-water
directions between southwest clockwise to
west-northwest. Commercial piers are
Aerial view of Kawaihae Deep-Draft Harbor,
located along the northeast side of the
Hawaii
harbor. Military facilities occupy the south
corner of the harbor, and recreational vessels use the eastern end. Water depth is 40 ft in
the Federal entrance channel and 35 ft in the harbor basin and commercial pier areas.
Because of Kawaihae Deep-Draft Harbor's present and projected commercial importance
Issue
to the Island of Hawaii, the Harbors Division, Department of Transportation, State of
Hawaii, has devoted special care to long-range planning. Needs to be addressed include
increased cargo transportation and handling efficiency and reduced wave impacts in the
harbor. The U.S. Army Engineer Research and Development Center, Coastal and
Hydraulics Laboratory, is performing numerical (computer) model studies in support of
long-term planning.
The numerical model is being validated with field measurements for short waves (wind
Supporting Technology
waves and swell) and long waves (harbor oscillations) collected during January to April
2004. The validated model is being used to evaluate the technical feasibility of six
alternative modifications to the harbor. Model results will be compared to experience in
the existing harbor and to general criteria for operational acceptability.
Benefits
Model results will allow long-range planning for increased cargo transportation and
handling efficiency and reduced wave impacts in the harbor.
U.S. Army Engineer District, Honolulu (HED); State of Hawaii Department of
Sponsors
Transportation.
Dr. Edward F. Thompson, U.S. Army Engineer Research and Development Center,
Point of Contact
ATTN: CEERD-HN-H, 3909 Halls Ferry Road, Vicksburg, MS 39180-6199; e-mail:
. Additional information can be found at
U.S. Army Engineer Research and Development Center
November 2004
Coastal and Hydraulics Laboratory (Project/Mission Support)
www.erdc.usace.army.mil
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