Construction begins on controversial seawall project in West Maui

KAHANA, MAUI (HawaiiNewsNow) - A controversial new seawall in West Maui is starting to take shape.

The project is moving forward after a judge denied an injunction to block construction late last month.

Two preservation groups sued in an attempt to block the project, expressing jurisdiction concerns over the shoreline.

But supporters of the project say the wall is needed because extreme erosion is threatening the Hololani Resort Condominiums in Kahana.

The first phase of construction which began in recent days, involves using steel sheet piles to create the base of the wall. When completed, the wall will stand 370 feet long and 12 feet high.

The project still needs to secure legislative approval for the second phase, a rock wall.

Copyright 2018 Hawaii News Now. All rights reserved.