Hawaiʻi County breaks ground on significant Kailua Park improvements
The project, often called "Old A's" because of its location at the former Kona Airport site, will result in significant upgrades to the Kona park, which for years needed new restroom facilities and other amenities.
Hawaiʻi County Mayor Kimo Alameda, Hawaiʻi County Department of Parks and Recreation, Hawaiʻi County Council members and additional partners on Thursday celebrated the start of a major improvement project at Kailua Park, often called “Old A’s” because of its location at the former Kona Airport site.
The project will result in significant upgrades to the Kona park, which for years needed new restroom facilities and other amenities.
A fire in 2023 destroyed one restroom at the shoreline area of the park and the other was closed because of safety concerns. The old terminal building also has been closed several years because of structural deterioration.
The project begins this week and includes:
- 2 new restrooms with showers to replace the existing shuttered facilities.
- A new restroom next to Makae‘o Events Pavilion to serve pavilion and canoe hale users.
- A new concession building and new restroom next to the ballfield, across from the old terminal building.
- Demolition of the old terminal building and construction of a new parking lot system in that area.
The project is scheduled to be completed in early 2028.
“With these improvements, we are investing in the health, well-being and quality of life of our community,” said Alameda. “We know that our residents have been looking forward to this for a long time. With this groundbreaking, we are making good on our commitment to get this project done, and once completed, it will make Kailua Park an even more welcoming and enjoyable place for our community to come together.”
Other upgrades also are planned at Kailua Park in addition to the project celebrated Thursday.
Repairs to Kekuaokalani Gymnasium, damaged during the kona low storms in March, including:
- A project for a new gym floor and new bleachers tentatively scheduled to begin in January.
- A project to replace the gym’s roof, harden its exterior against future storms and improve air circulation, which will be put out for bid this month.
- A project to demolish the former Division of Motor Vehicles building at the end of Kuakini Highway is in the works as well. The building has been vacant and unused for years.
