KAPA'A, Kaua'i – A blessing ceremony to mark the opening of a portion of Phase II of the bike and pedestrian path was held at Lihi Park in Kapa'a Friday morning.

The newly opened portion spans 2.5 miles from Lihi Park to Kealia Beach Park.

The rest of Phase II, approximately 1.8 miles from Kealia to Kuna Bay, is tentatively set to open this summer.

The first phase of the bike path along Lydgate Beach Park was completed in 2003. When the entire coastal path is finished, it will cover more than 16 continuous miles from Nawiliwili to Anahola.

"We're very pleased to officially open this segment of the bike path," said Mayor Bryan Baptiste. "A lot of people worked hard to have us come this far. Now we can all enjoy the magnificent scenery along the path from Lihi Park to Kealia Beach Park as well as the segment at Lydgate."