The Halona Blowhole parking lot and viewing area will be closed for about five months for renovations and safety improvements, city officials said today.

A section of the lower level lookout collapsed in 1997 due to weathering, and has been closed since then. The upper viewing level has signs of severe deterioration.

The site will be closed on April 14, and work is expected to be completed by September, before the next whale watching season begins. The construction dates were selected in consultation with the Hawaiian Island Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary Program.

The construction cost of the project is $824,000, and the city's contractor is Kaikor Construction Company, Inc.

The upcoming work will include:

• Demolition of the lower platform due to safety concerns, and restoration of the area to a natural appearance.

• Reconstruction of the upper visitor viewing platform.

• Provision of access for disabled people from the parking lot to the upper viewing area. Such access is not currently available.

• Reconfiguration of the parking lot to improve pedestrian and motorist safety. The number of parking stalls will remain the same.