Kilauea Point trail work planned

Stabilization is on the way.

Erosion has taken a toll on a portion of the walking trail between the visitor center and Daniel K. Inouye Kilauea Point Lighthouse at the Kilauea Point National Wildlife Refuge, but relief should be coming.

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is proposing to re-enforce around half of the 200-foot trail for public safety along sections that have experienced slope erosion, undermining and settlement.

“It’s a combination of things,” said Greg Allington, project consultant for McMillen Jacobs Associates. “It’s a steep cliff and there’s a lot participation in the area. It’s just the nature of the area.”

A cost of the project hasn’t been determined as it is in the preliminary process, Allington said.

Erosion work around the trail hasn’t happend in about 10 years.

It meanders from the visitor center to the lighthouse along steep bluffs overlooking the ocean. A cement wall lines the trail, which has shown cracks and wear.

“This is more of a maintenance issue more than anything,” Allington said. “Anytime there is cracking like that, there is concern. Now, do we think the trail is going to give way tomorrow? Absolutely not.”

The public is invited to provide comments and attend a public scoping open house where input is encouraged. The range of resource issues, as well as project stabilization, restoration, and stormwater improvement measures will be presented.

It will be from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Thursday, April 16 at Kilauea Elementary School Cafeteria, 2440 Kolo Road in Kiilauea.

USFWS is also initiating an environmental assessment to analyze project impacts. Public comments for the assessment will accepted until May 1.

They may be submitted by email at kpnwrtrail@mcmjac.com or by fax at (208) 342-4216.

More info: Allington (208) 985-1499 or kpnwrtrail@mcmjac.com or Jennifer Waipa, USFWS, at 635-0925.