Kolekole Park has been closed due to lead levels in excess of safe amounts, according to Mayor Harry Kim’s office. ADVERTISING Kolekole Park has been closed due to lead levels in excess of safe amounts, according to Mayor Harry Kim’s
Kolekole Park has been closed due to lead levels in excess of safe amounts, according to Mayor Harry Kim’s office.
The Hawaii County website shows the “park will be closed until further notice pending Department of Transportation area assessment.”
The site is off Highway 19 just past the 14 mile marker near a stream. It includes a pavilion, outdoor showers and camping. But there’s no drinking water, lights or lifeguards.
The mayor’s office said the closure is due to lead-contaminated soils throughout much of the park that are in excess of state “environmental action levels” and the lead came from the bridge that passes over the park.
The Hawaii Department of Health and the Department of Transportation are conferring on ways to solve the problem. The lead levels were discovered during testing by the Department of Transportation.
According to the Environmental Protection Agency, ingesting even small amounts of lead via dust in the air or directly by mouth can be harmful.
Agencies announcing the park closure did not offer advice to families who may have spent time at the park in recent months.
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