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DEPARTMENT OF LAND AND NATURAL RESOURCES News Release LINDA LINGLE GOVERNOR _________________________________________________________________________________________________________
PETER T. YOUNG, CHAIRPERSON
Phone: (808) 587-0401
Fax: (808) 587-0390
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For Immediate Release:
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| HILO — The Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) has begun work on improvements at Kalopa State Park, near Honoka‘a, Hamakua. "The park will remain open for limited use, due to ongoing construction, and portable toilets will be provided when comfort station work is going on," said Peter Young, DLNR chairperson. "Campers who were issued permits will be allowed to camp, or may choose to have their fees refunded. Cabins will be closed during construction in the area." "No new permits will be issued for the duration of the project. We have scheduled back-to back projects in order to expedite completion. We will reopen the affected areas as soon as work is completed," Young said. "These improvements are part of the Lingle-Aiona Administration's ongoing efforts to upgrade our state parks statewide and to ensure the safety and comfort of all residents and visitors who use the parks," he said. The park's camping area, picnic ground, recreation/dining areas, and cabin #1A will be made more accessible. A new water line serving these areas will also be installed. Accessible parking, pathway improvements and picnic tables will be provided at the camping comfort station area, picnic pavilion area, and recreation-dining hall. Comfort stations in these areas will be fitted with new, accessible toilet fixtures and accessories, new partitions and doors and new signage. Repair work will be done on the comfort station tiles and walls as needed. A new, accessible shower stall with bench and grab bars, changing bench and clothes hooks will be installed in the camping area comfort station. Exterior improvements at the recreation/dining hall area will include a new accessible brochure kiosk along the pathway from the parking area and accessible ramps with handrails leading up to the entrance to the hall. Further renovations on the interior will involve providing accessible doorways, sinks, counters, and restrooms. Accessible cabin accommodations will be available in cabin 1A once renovations are completed. A ramp will provide access to the front porch and the front door. Once inside, there will be accessible bunk beds, storage areas, and a fully accessible bathroom. Stan's Contracting, Inc. will be performing the renovations. The project is scheduled for completion by June 2006 at a cost of $341,700. Kalopa State Recreation Area, located at 2,000 feet elevation, is reached at the end of Kalopa Road, three miles inland from Mamalahoa Highway (Hwy. 19), and five miles southeast of Honoka‘a. The 100-acre park offers lodging, picnicking and an easy family nature hike (0.7-mile loop trail) in a native ‘ohi‘a forest and the beginnings of an arboretum of the island's native plants. There are additional trails in the adjoining forest reserve, including a 2-mile horse loop trail.
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