DEPARTMENT OF LAND AND NATURAL RESOURCES

News Release

LINDA LINGLE

GOVERNOR

_________________________________________________________________________________________________________

PETER T. YOUNG, CHAIRPERSON

Phone: (808) 587-0401

Fax: (808) 587-0390

_________________________________________________________________________________________________________

For Immediate Release: February 16, 2006

DLNR To Begin Construction Of Improvements
To Koke'e State Park

LIHU‘E — The Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) this week begins construction work at Koke‘e State Park on improvements at Kalalau lookout, Puu O Kila lookout, the park headquarters, Koke‘e Lodge and Museum, the picnic pavilion, camping site A, Kukui cabin #8, and the CCC Camp.

“The park will remain open during construction, and lodging will be available for public use. However we will need to close the camping area while work is being done at that comfort station,” said DLNR chairperson Peter Young.

"These improvements are part of the Lingle-Aiona Administration's ongoing efforts to upgrade our state parks and to ensure the safety and comfort of all residents and visitors who use the parks," said Young.

The contractor, Primatech Construction, Inc., will start these construction projects at the following park locations:

Kalalau Lookout -- Construction of accessible parking and pathways to the comfort station, lookout, and accessible picnic table and related improvements;

Puu O Kila Lookout --Construction of handrails along an existing path from the parking area to the lookout;

Park Headquarters -- Construction of an accessible registration counter and related improvements;
Koke‘e Lodge and Museum -- Construction of accessible parking and pathways to an accessible picnic table and pay-phone, restroom improvements, minor improvements on existing ramps;

Picnic Pavilion -- Construction of an accessible parking stall and pathway from the parking area to the pavilion, installation of an accessible picnic table and accessible sink in the BBQ area, restroom improvements and other related improvements;

Camping Site -- Construction of an accessible parking stall, comfort station and related improvements;
Kukui Cabin #8 -- Construction of a ramp and handrails; accessible kitchen improvements; bathroom improvements; accessible doors, doorways, and turning areas; and related improvements.

CCC Camp -- Construction of an accessible parking space and a ramp with handrails, pathway improvements to the Dreamer’s Building, entry and doorway improvements, restroom improvements and other related improvements.

Project cost is $675,000 and construction of these improvements is expected to be completed by the end of this year.

Camping permits will not be issued during the period of construction at the campsite comfort station. Issuing of permits will resume after the construction is completed.

Koke‘e State Park is located 15 miles north of Kekaha on Koke‘e Road (HWY 550) and it adjoins Waimea Canyon State Park. The park features the Koke‘e Museum, lodging, camping, hiking in a native rain forest, the Koke‘e Museum and areas to learn about native plants and forest birds.

For more information, call the Kaua‘i State Parks office at (808) 274-3444 or the Oahu State Parks office at (808) 587-0300.

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For more information, media contact:
Clifford Inn
DLNR Education and Outreach Coordinator
Phone: (808) 587-0407