Work Ongoing at State Parks in Kona, Puna

The Division of State Parks started work today on the entry roads to parks on opposite sides of the Big Island.

One project involves the road to the Mahaiula section of Kekaha Kai State Park in North Kona.

The work, which consists of filling potholes and compacting of gravel, means that section will be closed to both vehicular and pedestrian traffic on weekdays until May 3. The section will be open to the public on the weekends.

In May, the work will shift to the Mainiowali or Kua Bay area of the park where waterline improvements and construction of a new outdoor shower are scheduled. That section of the park will remain open during construction, which is expected to be completed by July.

The cost of the improvements is $188,000.

Kekaha Kai State Park is located 2.6 miles north of Keahole Airport. Separate 1.5-mile roads provide access to its two sections.

Meanwhile, repairs underway to the entry road to MacKenzie State Park in lower Puna will require the closing of the park to vehicles this week. Walk-in access will be allowed, officials said.

The roadwork is part of an ongoing $700,000 project that includes installation of new composting restrooms, improvement of parking areas and other clean-up and repair work.

MacKenzie State Park is located nine miles north of Kalapana on Highway 137.