State Seal

 

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

                                                                                                                                             

_________________________________________________________________________________________________________

For Immediate Release: July 17, 2006

  

DLNR To Construct Improvements
At Akaka Falls State Park


HILO — The Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) will begin construction on sewer improvements at Akaka Falls State Park on August 1, 2006.  

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

“The park, and the Akaka and Kahuna Falls lookouts will remain open, but a section of the parking area next to the comfort station will be blocked off, resulting in limited parking for cars and a temporary closure of the turn around area for buses,” Young said.

DLNR will provide advance notice to tour and bus operators of the upcoming project because it will impact parking, visitor convenience, and temporarily close the bus turn around area in the parking lot.

“We will provide portable toilets when the comfort station needs to be closed for the sewer connection, and safety barriers will be erected to ensure public safety during the construction period,” he added.
 
The sewer improvement project is expected to be completed by January 2007, weather permitting.   Improvements include a new septic tank and leach field facilities, and drainage improvements.  In addition, tree removal will be required in the project area.

Contractor is Ludwig Construction, Inc., at a project cost of $239,357.
Last year, DLNR completed renovations to create accessible restroom facilities, parking, picnic table, signage, passenger loading zone at Akaka Falls State Park, and resurfaced a portion of the parking lot to provide a more level surface.
Akaka Falls State Park is located at the end of Akaka Falls Road (Hwy. 220) and 3.6 miles southwest of Honomu.

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