The contract for the first phase of the earthquake repairs of the Ikuo Hisaoka Gymnasium at Kamehameha Park in Kapa'au has been awarded to Constructors Hawaii Inc., with work expected to begin in mid-March.

The gym will remain closed during the repairs, which are expected to be completed in mid-May, according to Big Island Department of Parks and Recreation officials.

Phase 1 will cost an estimated $351,000, and includes removing debris from the October 2006 earthquake, repairing the major structural cracks and truss connections between the walls and columns in the gym, and repairs to the kitchen and meeting rooms to restore the building to a safe condition.

Further architectural and electrical work will be included in Phase 2.