Few places have the beauty of Hawaii. Home to picturesque beaches, lush greens, and the nicest people probably in the United States, Hawaii has it all. However, their home is also prone to storms and floods, negatives that come with the many positives. South Hilo, Hawaii is no different. Located on the windward side of Big Island, where tropical storms and persistent rainfall contribute to the high water flow, it is an area where floods are common. This can be exacerbated by the build up of sediment and debris that clog the waterways, reducing their ability to carry out stormwater. Because of the unique circumstances that come with living in South Hilo, flood control and maintenance dredging are important jobs that help protect the lifestyle of residents in South Hilo.
Reducing the damage to buildings and infrastructure is just the start. Dredging and flood control also supports public safety and emergency preparedness. We know flooding is damaging, but disrupting essential roadways, isolating communities, and the general danger to residents make flooding an emergency risk South Hilo must be aptly prepared for to mitigate heavy damages. Dredging helps with this task by keeping waterways clear of sediments, giving authorities to operate emergency services more efficiently.
Even if flooding was not a constant threat, dredging plays a strong role in environmental management. A build up of sediment spells danger for river ecosystems. Other than the alteration of a known water way, a buildup of sediment can negatively affect water quality and therefore harm native fish and plant species. Properly planned maintenance dredging balances flood control with environmental considerations, helping to maintain the beautiful waterways Hawaii is known for. If interested in aiding South Hilo in flood control channel and maintenance dredging, click on the link to learn more. The bid closes September 11, 2025 at 4:00 PM HST.
