HANAPEPE — State Senate President Ron Kouchi and state Rep. Dee Morikawa both had memories of working the food booth that is an integral part of Hanapepe Stadium.
The state legislative dignitaries, both former coaches of Waimea High School athletic programs that use the stadium as its home field, were part of the group hosting a blessing and groundbreaking for the Hanapepe Park Improvements Project at the stadium.
“First, the food booth, then we look at the locker rooms,” Morikawa said.
As part of the improvements, the existing food booth will be replaced by a new combined-use building containing a ticket booth, prep kitchen and concession area. Additional restrooms will also be a part of the project.
“When this facility is completed, it will support many community organizations and give our sports teams a rallying point both on and off the field,” said Mayor Derek Kawakami. “Mahalo to our state legislative delegation, the Department of Parks and Recreation staff, the Kaua‘i County Council, and everyone involved for providing this multi-use facility project for West Kaua‘i and all of Kaua‘i.”
Contracted by Shioi Construction, the $3 million project was funded through the County of Kaua‘i, the state capital improvement projects budget, and a federal grant from the Land and Water Conservation Fund through the National Park Service.
Construction starts in November, and is estimated to be completed in August 2023, just in time for fall Kaua‘i Interscholastic Federation football.
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Dennis Fujimoto, staff writer and photographer, can be reached at 808-245-0453 or dfujimoto@thegardenisland.com.
