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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) this week will begin construction of improvements at ‘Akaka Falls State Park, Hawai‘i. The park's features include lookouts at ‘Akaka Falls and Kahuna Falls, and a .4-mile loop footpath connecting the two lookouts. Due to funding limitations, the project will be phased, with work starting at the Kahuna Falls lookout. Phase one improvements include footpath, stairs, handrail, and other related improvements on the east leg section of the footpath leading to the Kahuna Falls lookout. This section is comprised of numerous stairs and handrails, where aging and weathering have deteriorated the footpath. “This is the start of overall footpath and lookout improvements at ‘Akaka Falls State Park as part of the Lingle-Aiona Administration's ongoing efforts to upgrade our state parks statewide and to ensure safety and comfort for all residents and visitors who use the parks,” said Peter Young, DLNR chairperson. The first phase of the project will close the east leg of the park's footpath to Kahuna Falls lookout, but will not require the closure of the park, as visitors can still use the west leg of the footpath loop leading to the ‘Akaka Falls lookout. There will be some inconvenience from construction activities and closure of some parking areas, but appropriate safety barriers and practices will be utilized for the safety of park users. The second phase of the project (not yet scheduled) will make similar improvements to the west leg of the park footpath loop. The Division of State Parks Hawai'i district office has notified tour bus companies of these projects. Project contractor is Site Engineering, Inc. and the contract cost is $715,049.00. Completion is expected by end of October 2007. ‘Akaka Falls State Park is located at the end of ‘Akaka Falls Road (Hwy 220) and is located 3.6 miles of Honomu. It features a pleasant self-guided walk through lush tropical vegetation and to scenic vista points overlooking the cascading Kahuna Falls and the free-falling ‘Akaka Falls which plunges 442 feet into a stream-eroded gorge. # # # For more information, media may contact: |
