LIHU'E, Kaua'i — The state Department of Land and Natural Resources began a $290,000 sewer connection project at Waimea State Recreation Pier this week.

The five-month project by contractor TOMCO Corp. will remove an existing cesspool and connect the restrooms to Kaua'i County's sewer system, according to a release from the DLNR.

The job will include excavation in a field near the pier and excavation and trenching of La'au Road, which may affect traffic at times.

The large cesspool that has served the restrooms at the Waimea Pier will be closed when the connection to the sewer system is complete.

The restrooms will remain open throughout the work, except for one day in July when they are switched from cesspool to sewerline, the DLNR said. Portable toilets will be available that day.

The project is set to be finished in October.

Waimea State Recreational Pier is open daily during daylight hours. It features ocean pier fishing and picnicking, pole fishing and crabbing. Restrooms, picnic areas, trash cans and drinking water are provided.