KILAUEA — Not all the workers were present Sunday when work resumed on the developing Anaina Hou Playground in Kilauea.
“We took a couple of days off in consideration of Hurricane Lane and the threat it posed to Kauai,” said Bill Chase, project manager. “We’re starting back up today, but not all the workers are here because they’re involved in taking down boards from people’s homes that were put up to help with storm damage.”
The playground is being led by Playgrounds by Leathers, the same builder of the Kamalani Playgrounds at Lydgate Park. The structure in Kilauea, between the Mini Golf and Botanical Garden and the Porter Pavilion, will tell the story of the Hawaiian Islands through educational signage at a volcano climbing structure, a replica of a sailing canoe, multi-level ahupuaa-themed structure, a replica of a sugarcane train, and an inspiration zone to educate on creating a sustainable future.
There were some volunteer build dates in mid-August, but more volunteers are welcome during the week days.
“There is no limit on the number of volunteers we can use,” Chase said. “They’ll find something for volunteers to work on.”
Volunteers from age 10 and older can sign up ahead of time through the anaina hou website, or come down to the work site.
Chase said work on the playground is continuing and he expects the project to be at least 80 percent complete within the next two weeks.
“We did have a problem with one of our suppliers,” Chase said. “They are providers of the slides. They suffered a fire at their facility so we’re looking for an alternative source, but that should not set back the project, greatly. We’re still looking at a soft opening some time around Sept. 9.”
Tax deductible gifts, or tile sponsorships that involve sponsor tiles being placed permanently in the Discovery Island Playground, are welcomed.
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Dennis Fujimoto, staff writer and photographer, can be reached at 245-0453 or dfujimoto@thegardenisland.com.
