The new ball fields under construction along Kamehameha Avenue should be finished by April, according to the county Department of Parks and Recreation. ADVERTISING The new ball fields under construction along Kamehameha Avenue should be finished by April, according to
The new ball fields under construction along Kamehameha Avenue should be finished by April, according to the county Department of Parks and Recreation.
But James Komata, park planner, said it would take about another three months for them to be open for use. He said the county would need to keep the park closed for up to 90 days to allow the new grass to grow.
Construction for the $3.36 million project started last May and initially was expected to be complete in October, but county officials say poor weather put much of the work on hold.
“The weather has been an issue,” Komata said. “If it hasn’t been raining on a particular day, it still takes time for soils to dry out so they can put equipment on it and handle the soil.”
The weather delays have not added costs to the project, he said. But the discovery of an old fuel line under the property is expected to cost the county an additional $142,505. Komata said that fuel line needs to be flushed and capped. Soil also needs to be tested for contamination.
The park borders Kamehameha Avenue, Kuawa Street and Manono Street.
It will include two ball fields designed for football, soccer, rugby, baseball, softball and youth soccer events.
Future phases would add lighting, roofs for bleachers, trails, a playground, bathrooms, a concession area and a cultural interpretive site.
The contract was awarded to Isemoto Contracting.
Email Tom Callis at tcallis@hawaiitribune-herald.com.
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