State Department of Land and Natural Resources Division of State Parks officials last week-end reopened Polihale State Park to the public, and yesterday began issuing camping permits for the popular Westside park, they said. It had been closed since mid-May
State Department of Land and Natural Resources Division of State Parks officials last week-end reopened Polihale State Park to the public, and yesterday began issuing camping permits for the popular Westside park, they said.
It had been closed since mid-May due to a water-system failure caused by a burned-out water-pump motor that draws water from a well and supplies water to the park for drinking water and sanitation facilities, said Peter T. Young, chair-person of the DLNR and state Board of Land and Natural Resources.
“The health and welfare of our park users are of major concern to us, and the lack of running water for sanitation prompted us to immediately look into interim alternatives to minimize the time the park had to be closed,” he said.
“Our State Parks Division was able to locate another pump motor, install it, and test it in the well, to ensure that the water system was operational,” he said. “The old pump motor will be repaired and used as an emergency backup.
“Meanwhile, we have cleaned and sanitized the restrooms, which people had continued to use despite the park closure,” Young said.
“With these steps, the final obstacles to reopening this wilderness park have been removed. We appreciate the public’s understanding and cooperation during the closure, “ he continued.
“A recent Hawaii Tourism Authority survey shows the number-one concern of park visitors has been the condition of restrooms and other facilities, and the DLNR is working to improve conditions at Polihale and across our state,” he said.
“Polihale is among the state parks that will benefit from a major capital-improvement initiative to repair, improve or replace facilities at state parks on all islands,” he said.
“This year, $214,000 was appropriated to address (federal) Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) accessibility improvements at one of the restrooms at Polihale, along with an accessible walkway. In addition, we will replace the park’s cesspool system to comply with (U.S.) Environmental Protection Agency requirements (at a cost of $755,000),” Young said.
“The Lingle-Aiona administration sought and received legislative approval for needed improvements, and will be working with $15 million in funding for needed statewide park improvements, such as restroom renovations, ADA accessibility, and cesspool replacement. It is funding that is long overdue,” said Young.
“The DLNR manages some of Hawai‘i’s most spectacular natural resources that are enjoyed by millions of residents and visitors from around the world. There are 55 state parks in Hawai‘i,” he noted.
“Investing in the future of our state parks is a necessary and wise priority. We are committed to this effort.”
