CYCLONE MODELS FOR A SUBMERGED BREAKWATER

Kahului Harbor, located on the north shore of Maui, Hawaii, is approached by waves from the northwest in winter and northeast in summer. Wave energy entering the harbor during large swell events has repeatedly caused damage to existing protective structures and operations. As a result, a 706-meter long breakwater on the west was constructed to provide additional tranquility inside the harbor. A breakwater on the east with an 843-meter length was constructed to protect against waves approaching from north and northeast. However, strong wave energy still damages the harbor through the 12-meter deep and 183-meter wide entrance channel. Consequently, a submerged breakwater could be constructed in order to mitigate the wave energy that continues to damage the pier. The objective of making these models is to determine the most appropriate construction approach for the project based on construction duration and related variable costs. The study also aims to see if the project can be completed within a 5-month window during calm water. Two construction approaches were proposed—(1) using one construction crew per geotextile grid, and (2) using multiple crews per geotextile grid. Sensitivity analyses were performed on both proposed construction approaches by adjusting the number of laborers hired. This report provides the proposed geotextile submerged breakwater details based on construction plans viewed through the simulation models using EZStrobe.