DEPARTMENT OF LAND AND NATURAL RESOURCES

News Release

LINDA LINGLE

GOVERNOR

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PETER T. YOUNG, CHAIRPERSON

Phone: (808) 587-0401

Fax: (808) 587-0390

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For Immediate Release: July 17, 2006

DLNR To Open New Makapu`u Point Lookout,
Ka Iwi Access Road And Parking

HONOLULU— Today the Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) is opening a new Makapu‘u Point scenic lookout, new parking lots and roadside improvements at the Ka Iwi Scenic Wilderness area. Construction began in July 2005 and was completed this month.

The roadside improvement project received $5-million in funds from the Federal Highways Administration Scenic Corridors program and was implemented with supervision from the Hawaii Department of Transportation.

 “We are pleased to be opening this area that provides park users with a new Makapu‘u lookout onto the stunning windward coast, and safer access road and parking lot away from a busy highway,” said Peter Young, DLNR chairperson.

“This project is part of the Ka Iwi park master plan that was developed to be consistent with the community’s goals to provide safe parking and access, yet also have minimal impact on the area’s natural beauty,” Young said. “We thank the neighboring communities and general public for their patience and cooperation during construction,” said Peter Young DLNR chairperson.

The new Makapu‘u lookout-Ka Iwi Scenic Wilderness area project included:

1) a new access road that allows vehicles to safely exit from, and re-enter Kalaniana‘ole Highway
2) a new,  accessible Makapu‘u lookout and parking lot. The lot provides 19 parking stalls (including one accessible stall and 2 stalls for vans – there is no parking for tour buses.)
3)– a new parking lot for hikers to the Makapu‘u lighthouse. The lot provides 36 stalls (including two accessible stalls)
4) roadside improvements along Kalani‘anaole Highway consisting of guard rails and signage.

“The number of parking stalls is a compromise design reached with community input to preserve the natural quality of the landscape,” said Young.  “We believe that on most days they will be sufficient parking to accommodate lookout visitors and hikers.”

The Makapu‘u scenic lookout will be kept open.  However, the Ka Iwi Scenic Wilderness park will open at 7 a.m. each morning and be locked each night according to State Park operating hours, at 7:45 p.m. for longer daytime summer months and at 6:45 p.m. for darker winter months.

Robison Construction, Inc. began the project on July 25, 2005. Originally scheduled for completion in May 2006, the project finish was delayed due to bad weather in February and March this year.  

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For more information, media contact:
Deborah Ward
DLNR Public Information Specialist
Phone: (808) 587-0320