Hapuna Beach State Recreation Area (Photo by Karin Stanton/Hawaii247.com)

MEDIA RELEASE

Starting Monday, Jan. 5, the Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) will begin construction to replace the potable water system at Hapuna Beach State Recreation Area that serves makai beach areas and the mauka rental cabin section. At the same time, the irrigation system for the beach areas will also be replaced.  

The improvements include the replacement of the water main along Puako Road, and the water lines serving the upper parking area and north and south section comfort stations, showers and water fountains and the mauka A-frame rental cabins, dining hall and baseyard. The project will also include pathway replacement and roadway repaving as needed.   

“Hapuna Beach State Recreation Area is one of the top Big Island destinations for residents and visitors, as it provides ocean, picnic and lodging opportunities in West Hawaii,” said Laura H. Thielen, DLNR chairperson.    

“These long-awaited improvements are a key component of the Lingle-Aiona Administration’s ongoing efforts to upgrade our aging state parks facilities statewide, and to ensure public health and safety for those who use the parks,” she said. 

The project is scheduled to be completed by Jan. 5, 2010.   

The park will remain open but the work will impact some pathways to the beach; closures for replacement of beach showers and trenching of the entry road to the park; and on the mauka entry road leading to the rental cabins.   

Work will begin in the park’s mauka section first, then in the makai sections and lastly along Puako Road.   

The contractor is Willocks Construction Inc. and the project cost is $821,500.   

“The contractor will utilize appropriate safety barriers and practices to accommodate park users during the construction period.  We appreciate the public’s understanding and cooperation during this period,” Thielen said. 

Hapuna Beach State Recreation Area is a landscaped beach park on 61.8 acres, with swimming, bodysurfing, sunbathing and other beach-related activities, and lifeguard services. There is hiking along the Ala Kahakai coastal trail, picnicking and shelter lodging opportunities. The park has restrooms, picnic pavilions, picnic tables, lodging, trash cans, drinking water, and payphone.  It is located on Queen Kaahumanu Highway, 2.3 miles south of Kawaihae. It is open daily during daylight hours.

— Find out more:

State Parks Hilo office: 974-6200

State Parks Honolulu office: 587-0300. 

DLNR: http://hawaii.gov/dlnr/