Restoring Beautiful Napili, One Step at a Time
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OLD CONCRETE STAIRSIn the late 1980s, Napili Surf Beach Resort constructed the iconic concrete stairs that provided access to the pristine Napili Bay. Over time, the relentless forces of nature began to undermine these stairs, and by 2014, the effects of seasonal erosion were clearly visible. However, it wasn't until Labor Day 2017 that the erosion reached a critical point, creating a hazardous situation, as depicted this photo. The section of the stairs where a young girl is standing seemed to be "sitting on air.
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Erosion Hazard
The Napili Bay and Beach Foundation (NBBF) took immediate action and met with Senator Roz Baker and Representative Angus McKelvey on-site to address this pressing issue. Following their guidance, NBBF applied for a State Grant in Aid in January 2019, and in May of the same year, we were awarded $75,000 towards the project. This marked the beginning of a year-long process to navigate the bureaucratic maze required to secure the funding and enter into a contract with the state.
As the paperwork was being processed, by September 2019, the old stairs were entirely destroyed by beach erosion.
As the paperwork was being processed, by September 2019, the old stairs were entirely destroyed by beach erosion.
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Destroyed Stairs - What to do?
Consulting with coastal geologist Tara Owens in the same month, we realized the need to relocate and redesign the stairs to provide better protection against rising sea levels. NBBF began collaborating with a local architect experienced in building beach access paths and stairs. Simultaneously, we sought Maui County Grant funding to cover the costs associated with extending the path to the new stair location.
For a year, the public walked on top of the headland to reach the old stairs and temporary stairs located where the new stairs would eventually be. NBBF pursued several county grants, private foundation funding, and donations from individuals to cover the cost estimates for the new design. In October 2020, with some visitors using unconventional means to access the beach due to the absence of stairs, Napili Surf Beach Resort stepped up by contributing $49,000 to demolish the old stairs and remove the debris.
Finally, with all architectural drawings finalized, permits in place, and grants secured to cover anticipated costs, the last phase of demolition and removal of the old temporary stairs was completed in late 2021. Construction commenced in Q1, 2022, but unforeseen challenges such as soil compaction and other factors necessitated the relocation of the stairs higher onto the headland, resulting in increased costs. Nevertheless, the stairs and path were temporarily approved for use in Q2, 2022.
For a year, the public walked on top of the headland to reach the old stairs and temporary stairs located where the new stairs would eventually be. NBBF pursued several county grants, private foundation funding, and donations from individuals to cover the cost estimates for the new design. In October 2020, with some visitors using unconventional means to access the beach due to the absence of stairs, Napili Surf Beach Resort stepped up by contributing $49,000 to demolish the old stairs and remove the debris.
Finally, with all architectural drawings finalized, permits in place, and grants secured to cover anticipated costs, the last phase of demolition and removal of the old temporary stairs was completed in late 2021. Construction commenced in Q1, 2022, but unforeseen challenges such as soil compaction and other factors necessitated the relocation of the stairs higher onto the headland, resulting in increased costs. Nevertheless, the stairs and path were temporarily approved for use in Q2, 2022.
We Have New Stairs & Path!
The adjustment in the stairs' location exhausted the available funds before the above-grade path could reconnect with the old existing path. To bridge this gap, another round of fundraising and grant writing was launched, successfully raising the necessary funds to complete the south end of the path in May 2023.
Total Project Cost: Approximately $500,000 (including 'in-kind' labor)
Total Project Cost: Approximately $500,000 (including 'in-kind' labor)
What did this cost? Here is a Breakdown:
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Now, as we celebrate the successful restoration of Napili Bay's access, we look to the future. Maintenance of the new structure and the surrounding landscaping is crucial to prevent further erosion of the headland, safeguarding the water quality in the bay and protecting the delicate reef life.
This project is truly a community effort and there are many folks to say “thanks” to! MAHALO NUI LOA to:
NBBF greatly appreciates the help from all who pointed us to this funding to allow us to replace the old public beach access stairs and path at the south end of Napili beach. The new construction is more resilient to coastal erosion processes and protects the headland and beach from further damage. Mahalo nui loa to all who have donated to the NBBF! We are nearly there!
- The HK West Maui Community Fund for their grant that NBBF matched;
- The NB West Maui Benefit Fund for their grant that NBBF matched;
- The 2022 Maui County Charity Walk for their grant;
- Senator Roz Baker and Assemblyman Angus McKelvey for their site visit and support of the Capital Improvement Project Grant-in-Aid;
- Mayor Victorino (Office of the Mayor) and Chris Salem (Office of the Mayor and Napili resident) for the Maui County grant;
- Councilmember Tamara Paltin and Jim Buika (Maui County Planning Department) for the SMA Revolving Fund grant;
- OED West Maui grant.
NBBF greatly appreciates the help from all who pointed us to this funding to allow us to replace the old public beach access stairs and path at the south end of Napili beach. The new construction is more resilient to coastal erosion processes and protects the headland and beach from further damage. Mahalo nui loa to all who have donated to the NBBF! We are nearly there!
Take a Virtual Walk on the New Napili Bay Beach Access Stairs!
As you would after a lovely day on the beach.