Waimea students make new sign for landing pier

LIHU‘E — There’s a brand new sign at the entrance to Waimea Landing State Recreation Pier thanks to the hard work of more than 80 woodshop class students from Waimea High School, according to a press release.

“We’re proud of and thankful to the Waimea High students and their teacher, Billy DeCosta, for approaching the Department of Land and Natural Resources State Parks Division with the idea for this community project. The sign looks great and it’s done so well it will last a long time,” said State Parks program manager Steve Thompson in the release.

The new sign measures approximately 9 feet long by 3 feet high.

In addition to supervising the students creating the sign, DeCosta was responsible for obtaining donations of wood for the sign from Bill Cowen and Dean Meyer, paint and stain from Puhi Paint, Arroyo’s Plumbing and Grove Farm, Inc.

The design and logo were created by graphic design students of Waimea teacher John Altomare. A comparable sign would cost more than $2,500.

“Congratulations on the great job you have done for Waimea Landing State Recreation Pier,” Bill Arakaki, Department of Education Kaua‘i district superintendent, told DeCosta and the students. “I really appreciate the work you do and for providing the hands-on learning and skills-based education for all.”

Waimea Landing State Recreation Pier is located in Waimea town, on La‘au Road off Pokole Road or Moana Road from Kaumuali‘i Highway (Highway 50).

During the 19th century, the original wharf was used by whaling ships and to export raw sugar, cattle, goats, oranges, taro, sweet potatoes, yams and rice.

 A railroad brought rice and sugar from West Side plantations to the wharf for shipment. It also served local fishing boats.

Today, it is popular for ocean pier fishing (some restrictions apply), crabbing and picnicking.