Major changes soon could be coming to Mauna Kea Recreation Area.
Major changes soon could be coming to Mauna Kea Recreation Area.
According to a draft environmental assessment issued by Hawaii County, a $2 million renovation project for the park along Saddle Road could begin as early as October and be complete in March 2016.
The 149-page document was released Wednesday and found no significant impact for the major rehabilitation effort.
Hawaii County took control of management for the 32-acre park from the state last year in order to improve the facilities.
The park, located 6,500 feet above sea level, includes five cabins.
It provides the only restroom facilities along Saddle Road, which has seen a large increase in traffic because of highway improvements.
According to the document, the improvements are expected to include:
• A new potable water tank.
• Restoration and fumigation of buildings.
• New maintenance baseyard.
• Improvements to park roads and the addition of new pathways.
• New perimeter fencing.
• Doubling the size of the parking area.
• Exterior lighting for walkways and parking areas.
The county budgeted $104,400 to truck potable water to the park for this fiscal year.
Mayor Billy Kenoi estimated last year the park’s operating budget will exceed $200,000 per year.
The draft assessment can be viewed at http://tinyurl.com/mkparkreport.
Email Tom Callis at tcallis@hawaiitribune-herald.com.