Residents and visitors like to visit the Koke‘e State Park and Waimea Canyon State Park partly because they can hike on near-pristine trails that meander to wilderness areas within the park. To that end, government officials are seeking the public’s
Residents and visitors like to visit the Koke‘e State Park and Waimea Canyon State Park partly because they can hike on near-pristine trails that meander to wilderness areas within the park.
To that end, government officials are seeking the public’s help in building up the trails on two consecutive Saturdays, April 16 and 23.
The cleanup will enhance the overall look of the park, among the top 10 state parks in Hawai‘i, state officials said.
The improvements include the installation of log steps and “water bars,” which redirect water down hilly slopes.
The project is being sponsored by leaders in the state Department of Land and Natural Resources Division of State Parks, and Hui O Laka, the volunteer-support group for Koke‘e Natural History Museum.
“We appreciate the invaluable assistance of energetic volunteers who want to make a difference for our state parks on Kaua‘i,” said Peter Young, DLNR chairperson. “Their kokua has a big effect, and supports the efforts of our parks staff.”
Parks employees last week cleared vervain, a small, woody shrub with blue flowers atop a slim pistil, from sections of the Kalalau Trail between the nine and 10-mile markers.
Fed by recent abundant rain, the vermin has encroached on the trail, and has grown densely in spots, said Young. The trail clearly needed cleaning, he said. Parks employees will return to the trail next week to follow up on the control of the invasive plant, Young said.
State parks employees are vigorously cleaning other state properties on Kaua‘i, Young said. Last week, a four-person parks crew hauled out by helicopter 14 bags, about (750 pounds) of trash from Kalalau Beach. The trash was sling-loaded out by helicopter from Kalalau to Koke‘e State Park. DLNR state parks employees regularly remove trash from the Na Pali Coast during maintenance projects. The trash poses a potential health threat, Young said.
In addition to efforts to maintain state parks, including those on Kaua‘i, DLNR leaders have received $15 million in general-obligation-bond funding for state park improvements statewide.
The funds will be used for major reconstruction of aging restrooms, and replacement of park cesspools, to comply with the standards of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.
DLNR leaders have also received $2.5 million in fiscal year 2004-2005 for continuing construction projects to meet federal Americans with Disabilities Act requirements. The renovation projects will occur at Ha‘ena State Park, Koke‘e State Park, and Waimea Canyon State Park.
- For more information, contact Wayne Souza, DLNR Division of State Parks Kaua‘i district administrator, at 274-3444 message; or the Koke‘e Natural History Museum at 335-9975.
