Harbormaster/ Port Director of the Year Hawkins

Homer Port and Harbor Director Bryan Hawkins was honored Wednesday, October 23rd by the Alaska Harbormasters Association as Harbormaster/Port Director of the Year.

Bryan has been a leader in addressing issues that affect all ports and harbors in Alaska, including, but not limited to, derelict vessels and promoting and implementing the Clean Harbors Program. Bryan has initiated an outreach and marketing program by forming partnerships with organizations like the Homer Chamber of Commerce and the Homer Marine Trades Association. He has worked aggressively to open up new opportunities and services for marine businesses including the promotion of new barge haul-out and mooring facilities.  His efforts have had a positive effect on the local economy and the Port and Harbor Enterprise Fund.  Last winter the oil drilling rig Endeavor moored at the Deep Water Dock for the first time. This opened up a vast range of new opportunities for local businesses.

Bryan is currently overseeing approximately $24 Million in capital construction projects in the next two years. This includes upgrades to the Deep Water Dock, new restrooms, passenger staging facilities, trails, replacement of aging ramps and floats, expanded water and electric service for the primary commercial vessel float, and renovation and expansion of the load and launch ramp. A new port and harbor office building will be constructed next year and feasibility studies are underway for major expansions of the Deep Water Dock and the harbor. A wide variety of funding sources were used for these projects, including the sale of revenue bonds that will be repaid through increased port and harbor fees.

Bryan has commissioned a port and harbor rate study to determine a fee schedule that is sustainable and will provide for operating expenses and repair and replacement of infrastructure into the future. He has reduced energy costs by taking a variety of steps to reduce consumption and increase efficiency. Bryan has dramatically improved customer service and I receive comments to that effect on a regular basis. He has exhibited exemplary supervisory skills and he leads by example. He establishes clear expectations and sets the performance bar high. His staff is happy, motivated, and very productive.

The City of Homer is proud of Bryan's accomplishments and the well deserved recognition as Harbormaster/ Port Director of the Year.