$500,000 WATER UPGRADE TO BEGIN AT WAI`ANAPANAPA

Posted by: Wendy OSHER © 2009

Photos by:  Wendy OSHER © 2009

WAI`ANAPANAPA, HANA, MAUI – State workers will begin construction Monday on a $500,000 water system improvement project at Wai’anapanapa State Park in East Maui.

Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) officials say the work will include the replacement of the potable water system that serves the day use, camping, and the rental cabin sections of the park.  Work on the park’s east section serving the 12 rental cabins will take place from February 2 through March 31, 2009.

The day use area of the park, including the beach area, and the comfort station will remain open while the waterline project is underway. However, there may be some delays in entering or leaving the park due to the construction. The road to the rental cabins will be closed, along with unreserved cabins during the construction period.

Work on the park’s west day use section will begin February 23, 2009. Improvements will include the installation of a water system back-flow preventer and replacement of water main laterals to this section of the park, which serve the park caretaker’s office/residence, comfort station, outdoor shower, service hose bibs, and several water fountains.

The park’s entrance on Honokalani Road may require temporary closure during March – April, as well as intermittent shutoff of water service to the park in order to connect the new water system with the main service line along the roadway.  The closure will be planned during the non-peak period and take a few hours.

No new cabin reservations or camping permits will be issued during the construction period.  DLNR officials say state parks staff and the contractor will work to accommodate park users holding previously approved cabin reservations and camping permits. These permittees were informed of the construction work, noise and delays at the park and may either decide to retain their permit or cancel with a full refund

“The contractor will utilize appropriate safety barriers and practices and traffic control to ensure the public’s safety,” said DLNR chairperson, Laura Thielen.  “We appreciate park users’ understanding and will try to minimize inconveniences as we work to provide improved facilities for residents and visitors.”

The $500,000 contract was issued to Goodfellow Brothers Inc., with construction scheduled to be completed in July 2009.  

In addition to this project, DLNR is working on other improvements identified in the park’s master plan.  This includes relocating the camping area; constructing a new camping comfort station, and working on major cabin improvements.

Wai`anapanapa State Park is located in Hana, 52.8 miles east of Kahului Airport, along a remote, volcanic coastline. The 122-acre property is flanked by the ancient Hawaiian Ke Ala Loa O Maui/Pi`ilani coastal trail.