A new and improved Kolekole Gulch Park will reopen later this month after years of closure.
The 5.5-acre park has had a rough several years, having first been closed for three years in 2017 when parts of the park were found to contain lead-contaminated soil stemming from lead-based paint used on the overspanning Kolekole Bridge.
While the park reopened in 2020, it was closed again the following year when the state Department of Transportation conducted emergency repairs on the aging bridge.
In 2022, the Hawaii County Department of Parks and Recreation began work on an extensive renovation of the park, which prolonged its closure. But that project is just about finished, and the park is scheduled to finally reopen April 24.
The renovation project, which cost about $6.3 million, improved the park’s accessibility and brought it into compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act. Included in those improvements are an upgraded bathroom facility, new parking stalls and ADA-accessible paths, a new potable water system, new and refurbished pavilions, new lighting in the parking area and more.
“Kolekole Gulch Park looks and feels entirely brand new,” Parks and Rec Director Maurice Messina said Tuesday in a statement. “We are excited to return this valuable resource to our community, enhanced in so many ways to allow greater access and enjoyment by all.”
“Kolekole Gulch Park is an important point of access on the Hamakua Coast for fishing, swimming, surfing and overall enjoyment of the stream and ocean, activities that are vital to our culture and the well-being of local residents,” said Mayor Mitch Roth in a statement. “By enhancing accessibility for all and introducing upgraded amenities, we are securing its place as a cherished community space for generations to come.”
Parks and Rec spokesman Thatcher Moats said via email that not all of the park will be open on April 24, however. The state DOT’s soil remediation project has not yet been completed, so some areas of the park confirmed to have higher lead contamination remain fenced off with proper warning signage.
Because of the ongoing contamination issue, Moats added that camping in the park — which has been permitted in the past — will remain suspended until the remediation work is concluded.
However, the park’s pavilions will be available to rent beginning April 25 through Parks and Rec’s administration office.
For the parts of the park that will open this month, Parks and Rec will hold a public reopening event at 10 a.m. on April 24.
Email Michael Brestovansky at mbrestovansky@hawaiitribune-herald.com.
