Ask the Mayor: When Will Kepaniwai Park Reopen?

Kepaniwai damage to parking area. PC: Lois Whitney/County of Maui. Sept. 14, 2016

Mayor Alan Arakawa answers some of the questions submitted to his office staff.

Submit your own questions about County of Maui programs, services, operations or policies to Mayor Alan Arakawa via email at AskTheMayor@mauicounty.gov, call 270-7855 or send them by mail to 200 S. High St., 9th Floor, Wailuku, HI 96793. Questions submitted will be considered for inclusion in the “Ask the Mayor” column.

Dear Mayor:

Q: I saw on the news how badly damaged Kepaniwai Park is after the terrible flooding. What do you think the chances are that it can be repaired and reopened? It’s one of my favorite places on the island. Mahalo.

A: As you may have heard by the time this column is published, it will take a minimum of $2 million to repair the catastrophic damage to the Kepaniwai parking lot and other portions of the park. We will begin assessments to determine the work that needs to be done, but only time will tell whether all of the safety hazards can be addressed with the funds available. I met with Council Chair Mike White and Councilmember Riki Hokama last week and we are all anxious to move forward with repairs so we can reopen portions of this much-loved recreation area, if not the entire County park.