Kahu Moses Crabbe delivers a traditional blessing June 17 (Photo by Department of Parks and Recreation)

MAUNA KEA, Hawaii – Work on a new restroom facility at the Hawaii County-managed Mauna Kea Recreation Area has been completed.

Kahu Moses Crabbe blessed the new facility during a traditional ceremony held Wednesday, June 17. The bathrooms, located next to the administration building at the park’s entrance, are now available for public use and will remain open around the clock.

The Department of Parks and Recreation made the announcement on Monday.

“This project represents the latest of many ongoing efforts the Department of Parks and Recreation has undertaken in fulfillment of Mayor Billy Kenoi’s commitment to improving this special park for community use. A new picnic area, paved parking lot and renovations to the existing bathrooms are some of the upgrades completed since Hawai‘i County began operating the former state-run park last July 1.” – Hawaii County Department of Parks and Recreation on June 22, 2015

The new restroom facility allows the county to alter the way the park operates in the evening hours.

“Effective immediately, the park’s existing restroom facility and adjacent parking area will be open for public use from 6:30 a.m. until 6:30 p.m. daily. That portion of the park will be cordoned off and secured during nighttime and early morning hours to improve operational efficiency and ensure public safety.” – Hawaii County Department of Parks and Recreation on June 22, 2015

The county also says uniformed security personnel are stationed at the park overnight for the safety of all park users.