Ulehawa park in progress
By James Gonser
Advertiser Leeward Bureau
NANAKULI — Although construction on Ulehawa Beach Park improvements has been stalled for weeks, the project is moving forward behind the scenes and the city has not changed the scope of the work, according to city Managing Director Ben Lee.
Cory Lum • The Honolulu Advertiser
"There has been no reduction in budget for the project and no changes in the master plan," Lee said, responding to concerns about the work stoppage. "We are moving forward with the improvements for the entire length of Ulehawa park. Comments that we have abandoned the project are not true."
The city is improving the facilities and adding landscaping and picnic sites to Ulehawa Beach Park on the Wai'anae Coast.
At a Wai'anae Neighborhood Board Parks and Recreation meeting last week, residents asked about progress on the project, according to committee chairwoman Georgette "Jo" Jordan. Residents had heard that the master plan had been revised by the city without community input, and Jordan said the city had not responded to her questions.
The $4.7 million project to improve the beach park from Lualualei to Ma'ili is being done in three phases. Groundbreaking took place in February 2000; the second phase from Ma'ili Point to Ma'ili Beach Park is about to begin.
Work includes expanding the rock wall along Farrington Highway and installing an irrigation system, new landscaping and street lights. Phase three includes building three new comfort stations and parking and drainage improvements.
When completed, the shoreline will be a beach park with new landscaping, more picnic sites and a low coral wall stretching the length of the three-mile project, Lee said.
Lee said work has been stopped until drawings are completed for modifications to shower plumbing lines, above ground drainage and a slightly reduced parking lot at Nanikai near Ma'ili Point.
Jordan said residents love the work that has been done, but are worried about the smaller parking lot. The master plan had called for a lot big enough to allow buses to turn around, and Jordan noted that schools often use the area for field trips to the tidal pools.
Residents also said the city wants to plant plumeria trees rather than the native plants they wanted.
Lee said the parking lot will still have room for buses to turn around. He added that no decision has been made on plumeria trees.
"The concerns are we are making changes, but the changes are going to make it better," Lee said.
Trees planted in phase one were too small, Lee said. More and bigger trees would supply shade, he said. Lee said he is willing to talk with residents or send a representative to the neighborhood board before changes are put into effect.
"Anytime work gets stopped, people think something is going on," Lee said. "The Wai'anae Coast is beautiful and we want to make the improvements to make sure those beach parks are well used, well maintained and provide the amenities and facilities for beachgoers."
The project is expected to be done by November 2002.
