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GOVERNOR LINGLE RELEASES $5 MILLION FOR STATE PARK FACILITY IMPROVEMENTS ON KAUA‘I AND THE BIG ISLAND

For Immediate Release:  December 31, 2007


HONOLULU – Governor Linda Lingle has released $5 million for improvements at six state recreational areas on Kaua‘i and the Big Island as part of the Administration’s ongoing efforts to improve state parks and small boat harbors statewide.

“Our state parks and recreational facilities are drawing larger numbers of residents and visitors, so it is important that we undertake improvements that keep the parks safe and well maintained while protecting our precious natural and cultural resources,” said Governor Lingle. “These improvements accomplish these objectives at popular destinations on Kaua‘i and the Big Island.”

Kaua‘i Park Improvement Projects

  • $1,500,000 will be used to improve the three-mile stretch of road between Kōke‘e State Park Headquarters and the Kalalau Lookout to address deterioration caused by age, weather erosion and increased use. This project will be performed in two phases. Construction of phase I is currently scheduled to begin in November 2008 and be completed in November 2009.
  • $500,000 will be used to construct a wastewater treatment system at Ha‘ena State Park that replaces the existing septic tank and drain field system. Design is ongoing. Construction is anticipated to begin in October 2009 and be completed in October 2010.

Big Island Park Improvement Projects

  • $800,000 will fund improvements to the water transmission system that services Wailoa River State Park’s pavilions and other park user facilities. The current system is deteriorating due to age and root intrusions. Now in the design phase, construction is scheduled to begin in July 2009 and be completed in July 2010.
  • $1,200,000 will cover handrail and pathway improvements at Akaka Falls State Park for the portion of the trail connecting the Akaka and Kahuna Falls lookouts. Now in the bid phase, construction is currently scheduled to begin in August 2008 and be completed in August 2009.
  • $500,000 will fund the development of a master plan and environmental impact statement (EIS) for park improvements at Kealakekua Bay Historical Park’s three sections: Napo‘opo‘o, Ka‘awaloa and Pali Kapu o Keōua. The plan will guide the future development of park improvements and ensure continued safety, public health and cultural resource protection.
  • $500,000 will be used to develop a master plan and EIS for Kīholo Bay State Park Reserve to safeguard the 4,354-acre reserve’s cultural, coastal and environmental resources. Planning work for this project and Kealakekua Bay Historical Park is scheduled to begin in October 2008 and be completed in October 2010.

The park improvements are part of the Lingle-Aiona Administration’s multi-year initiative to repair, replace or improve facilities at state parks around the state. Initiated by the Department of Land and Natural Resources in 2005, the upgrades represent the first major reconstruction of park facilities since the state parks system was established more than 40 years ago. There are 69 state parks on Kaua‘i, Hawai‘i, O‘ahu, Maui and Moloka‘i.

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For more information, contact:

Laura H. Thielen  
Director, DLNR
Phone: (808) 587-0320

Lenny Klompus
Senior Advisor – Communications
Phone: (808) 586-7708

Russell Pang
Chief of Media Relations
Phone: (808) 586-0043

 

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