By Department of Land and Natural Resources

KONA, HAWAII — Starting Monday, April 8, 2013, the Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) will begin repair work on the entry road to the Mahaiula section of Kekaha Kai State Park, necessitating weekday closures. This work is anticipated to take three to four weeks and will consist of pothole and sectional filling and laying compacted gravel on the roadway surface. This park section will be closed on weekdays from April 8 to May 3, 2013, but reopened on weekends (Saturdays and Sundays) during this period.

Starting in May, work will begin in the Maniniowali or Kua Bay section of the park. A new outdoor rinsing shower will be constructed, and waterline improvements made. The project is expected to be completed by July 2013 or sooner as conditions allow. This park section will be open but there will be construction activities near the parking area and the pathway leading to the beach. Appropriate safety barriers and practices will be implemented.

“We appreciate the patience and understanding of visitors and residents using the park during this needed repair project. Kekaha Kai State Park provides unique recreational opportunities and is a popular destination for all users,” said William J. Aila, Jr., DLNR chairperson.

The contractor is George M. Oye, Inc., and the project cost is $188,000.

Kekaha Kai (Kona Coast) State Park is located on Queen Kaahumanu Highway (Hwy. 19), 2.6 miles north of Keahole Airport. Separate 1.5 mile access roads from the highway lead to the Mahaiula (unpaved) and Maniniowali (Kua Bay) sections of the park. The Mahaiula section has a sandy beach and dune with opportunities for swimming and beach-related activities. A picnic area with tables is available. A 4.5-mile hike north through this wilderness park on the historic coastal trail, Ala Kahakai, leads to the Kua Bay section at the north end of park and beach-related activities. Midway, a hike to the summit of Puu Kuili, a 342-foot high cinder cone, offers an excellent view of the coastline. The park can be dry and hot, and is equipped with restrooms, picnic tables, and trash cans, but no drinking water. It is open daily from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.