Posted on: Saturday, August 7, 2004
Sand Island park reopens after spill
Advertiser Staff
The Sand Island State Recreation Area reopened yesterday after months of work to repair a ruptured sewage main and other equipment.
Jeff Widener • The Honolulu Advertiser "We thank the public for their patience while the entire area was closed for repairs and cleaned up," said state parks administrator Dan Quinn.
Camping will be allowed on weekends from Friday through Monday. The Section A camping area and nearby parking area will remain closed for six to eight weeks longer while grass grows in over new topsoil and a sprinkler system, Quinn said.
"We know many people will be very happy that this popular urban park is finally reopening for picnicking, swimming, sunbathing, shore fishing, surfing and camping," said Peter Young, chairman of the Department of Land and Natural Resources.
State park camping permits for Sand Island for the month of August and the Labor Day weekend are available at all DLNR parks offices.
The O'ahu State Parks permit office has moved upstairs to Room 310 of the state's Kalanimoku Building, 1151 Punchbowl St., near South Beretania Street. Permits are issued from 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Groups holding events must obtain a permit in advance.
Crews are still working to repair another sewer pipe on Sand Island, which was damaged last month near the treatment plant. The damage was far from the park and did not affect it or pollute the harbor.
The popular picnic and camping spot closed on March 4, when a 66-inch pressurized main that feeds into the Sand Island Wastewater Treatment Plant broke. About 2 million gallons of raw sewage spilled at the park and into Honolulu Harbor.
Milton Mitsunaga of Salt Lake watches a fishing line on the first day of Sand Island park's reopening. It had been closed since March.
