Back to Hawaii News index

Posted: Sunday, November 29th, 2009 7:39 AM HST

Hawaii plans to add to South Maui artificial reef

By Associated Press

KAHULUI, Hawaii (AP) — The state plans to add about 1,500 concrete structures to the artificial reef off South Maui's Keawakapu Beach. This is the first time the state has added modules to Keawakapu Artificial Reef since 1990. The 52-acre reef, which was created in 1962, has 150 cars, 2,250 tire modules, 35 concrete slabs, and one vessel. Site work begins Monday morning. The state is asking the public to stay at least 300 yards away from the site while work continues. The state says studies have shown that artificial reefs provide habitat for fish and for coral polyps that form natural coral reefs. The state has three other shallow artificial reefs, all on Oahu. There's one deep water artificial reef off Oahu's Ewa Beach. (Copyright 2009 Associated Press. All rights reserved)