Coconut Island temporarily closes after partial footbridge collapse Friday morning

The Hawaiʻi Police Department report that the Mokuʻola (Coconut Island) pedestrian bridge has partially collapsed, temporarily closing the park.

The portion of the bridge collapsed around 7:40 a.m. this morning when county crews were driving a mini-excavator over the bridge to conduct maintenance in the park. The bridge collapse can be seen in video obtained by Hawaiʻi News Now.

One worker was taken to the Hilo Benioff Medical Center for precautionary measures although no injuries have been reported.

The Hawaiʻi County Department of Parks and Recreation is currently assessing the structural damage, which is estimated to be at $2 million. Repair work will begin as soon as it is safe to do so.

As the only entrance and exit for Coconut Island, all access to the park is prohibited until the bridge is secured and deemed safe for use. The public is urged to avoid the area for their safety and to allow county personnel to conduct their assessment and repairs without interference.

The cause for the collapse is under investigation and updates will be provided as more information becomes available. For questions or additional information, contact Parks and Recreation at (808) 961-8311.