Someone removed a large concrete barricade and broke through a fence to access the closed Hakalau Beach Park, according to the Hawaii County Department of Public Works.

Department spokesman Barett Otani said a Hakalau resident informed the county Tuesday and a police report was filed.

The barricades were put in place in February after access was deemed unsafe because of erosion under an old bridge.

He said a truck wouldn’t have been strong enough to remove the barricade but it’s unclear what was used.

Otani said someone broke a chain on the fence before, which is why the county added two more. All three were found removed Tuesday.

Otani said a contract for repairs at the park should be awarded by the end of the year. He said the county was awaiting state approval because it’s using state or federal funds for the approximately $2 million project.

The repairs were delayed for months so the work doesn’t occur during the Hawaiian hawk’s breeding season.

Otani said police should be called if the barricades are removed again.

Additionally, lead contamination found in the park below the highway bridge will need to be addressed before the park can be reopened, county officials have said.

Email Tom Callis at tcallis@hawaiitribune-herald.com.

Someone removed a large concrete barricade and broke through a fence to access the closed Hakalau Beach Park, according to the Hawaii County Department of Public Works.

Department spokesman Barett Otani said a Hakalau resident informed the county Tuesday and a police report was filed.

The barricades were put in place in February after access was deemed unsafe because of erosion under an old bridge.

He said a truck wouldn’t have been strong enough to remove the barricade but it’s unclear what was used.

Otani said someone broke a chain on the fence before, which is why the county added two more. All three were found removed Tuesday.

Otani said a contract for repairs at the park should be awarded by the end of the year. He said the county was awaiting state approval because it’s using state or federal funds for the approximately $2 million project.

The repairs were delayed for months so the work doesn’t occur during the Hawaiian hawk’s breeding season.

Otani said police should be called if the barricades are removed again.

Additionally, lead contamination found in the park below the highway bridge will need to be addressed before the park can be reopened, county officials have said.

Email Tom Callis at tcallis@hawaiitribune-herald.com.