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: May 8, 2006

DLNR Constructing Improvements
At Makiki Valley State Park

HONOLULU — The Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) will begin construction on sewer and facility improvements at Makiki Valley State Park, adjacent to the Hawaii Nature Center, on May 22, 2006.

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

“The park will remain open, but to ensure public safety during construction activities, the comfort station and the nearby bridge area leading to the Kanealole and Maunalaha Trails will be closed.”

“However, we will provide portable toilets, and construct a temporary trail access to safely accommodate frequent users of the park facilities and trail bridge,” Young said.

The temporary trail access will be located off the main park road, and clearly defined in an area before the Hawaii Nature Center facility. This temporary trail will provide hikers with an entry and exit access to the Kanealole and Maunalaha Trails. Information and direction signage will be provided.

The sewer improvement project is expected to be completed by September 2006 and the facility improvement project is expected to be completed by the end of December 2006, weather permitting.

Sewer system improvements for the park's comfort station will be constructed, including a new septic tank and leach field facilities, and drainage improvements. In addition, tree removal will be required in the project area. Contractor is R.I. Namba Construction, Inc., at a project cost of $132,292.

Facility improvements include construction of accessible parking and pathway improvements; comfort station renovations; new accessible picnic table and shelter; signage; and connection with pathways constructed by the Hawaii Nature Center.

CC Engineering and Construction Inc. is the contractor and work will be coordinated with the sewer improvement project. Project cost is $272,430.
Makiki Valley State Park is located along Makiki Heights Drive.
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For more information, contact:
Clifford Inn
DLNR Education and Outreach Coordinator
Phone: (808) 587-0407