Posted on: Friday, January 14, 2005
State will spend $15M on park renovations
Advertiser Staff
The state is planning a multi-year, $15 million initiative to repair, replace or improve facilities at several state parks across the Islands.
Among those planned:
• O'ahu: A new access road along the Ka Iwi Scenic Shoreline overlooking Makapu'u beach; and emergency phones between Makua and Ka'ena Point. • Big Island: Parking lot, walkway and restroom upgrades at Hapuna Beach State Recreation Area. • Kaua'i: On-site ranger, cultural signs and porta-potties for Ha'ena State Park. • Maui: On-site ranger and interpretive signs for 'Ahihi-Kina'u Natural Area Reserve. "This is one of DLNR's most significant capital improvement priorities," said Young. "Newer facilities will ensure greater health and safety conditions at state parks for residents and visitors, better maintenance and ability to handle the increased volume of park users."
Two comfort stations at the popular Sand Island State Recreation Area will be rebuilt this spring along with improvements to increase accessibility and sewer system work.
Bathrooms also will be renovated at Keaiwa Heiau State Recreation Area in 'Aiea and Ka'ena Point State Park.
The remaining $10 million will be used to remove and replace park cesspools statewide. Approximately 36 percent of 69 state parks have wastewater systems that do not meet Environmental Protection Agency standards.
The DLNR also is working with the Hawai'i Tourism Authority to improve park facilities using $1.7 million from the transient accommodations tax.
A larger restroom will be built at Diamond Head State Monument using the tax funds and state capital improvement project money.
The state will also spend another $2.5 million for construction projects to meet Americans with Disabilities Act requirements.
New parking stalls with access aisles, renovated restrooms, improved concrete walkways, multilevel drinking fountains, new picnic tables and various signs are planned.
"We are scheduling simultaneous work projects at some locations to expedite their completion and shorten the amount of time that construction might inconvenience the public," Young said. "This work is long overdue, and we believe people will be happy to see the improvements when the work is finished."
About $5 million of general obligations bond funding will go toward the first major reconstruction of state parks restrooms since the parks system was established over 40 years ago, according to Peter Young, chairman of the state Department of Land and Natural Resources.
State park improvements
