The Hawaii Department of Transportation (HDOT) has announced the immediate and indefinite closure of the berths on the Diamond Head side of Pier 16 in Honolulu. The waters surrounding this pier are also closed to all vessel traffic. This decision comes after a 79-foot fishing vessel lost power and collided with bridge infrastructure that supports Nimitz Highway.
The Harbor Master Notice related to this closure can be found at https://hidot.hawaii.gov/harbors/files/2026/01/HMN-O-02-26-Harbor-Master-Notice-010926-part-1-signed.pdf.
This marks the third major incident involving vessels attempting to dock at Pier 16 Diamond Head within the past two years. HDOT stated, “To ensure the continued structural integrity of Nimitz Highway, HDOT has determined that these berths must remain closed until a permanent protective solution for the highway infrastructure can be designed and installed.”
Engineers from HDOT are currently assessing the extent of damage caused by the collision. According to officials, “While the highway remains safe for travel at this time, the department is fast-tracking the evaluation of permanent fender systems or structural barriers to prevent future occurrences.” Additional updates will be provided as investigations continue and repair schedules are set.
HDOT is a state agency responsible for overseeing transportation across air, land, and water systems in Hawaii. It manages airports, harbors, and highways throughout the six main Hawaiian islands while coordinating with federal and county agencies to maintain infrastructure. More information about its operations is available on its official website.
