Despite lava, work resumes on Pahoa park

Construction of the $22.3 million Pahoa District Park, once paused due to the June 27 lava flow, restarted last week, Hawaii County officials said.

The county gave the go-ahead to resume grubbing and grading work following a downgrade in the lava flow threat March 25 and consultation with Hawaiian Volcano Observatory and Civil Defense.

Parks and Recreation Director Clayton Honma said contractor Nan Inc. resumed the work around April 22.

The work initially started in early August but was paused after geologists began warning about the lava flow later that month.

“In collaboration with our Hawaii County Council, we are pleased to move forward with this project that will provide access to positive recreation for Hawaii Island’s fastest-growing communities,” Mayor Billy Kenoi said in a written statement.

Honma said the delay will increase the cost of the project due to remobilization of equipment and changes in labor costs, and those are currently being negotiated. The project is now expected to be finished in May 2016.

The lava flow, which has been inactive outside Pahoa since mid-March, remains active within 5 miles of the Pu‘u ‘O‘o vent.

The flow initially entered Pahoa within a mile of the park location.

With the eruption continuing and lava still heading in a northeast direction, should the county be spending so much money on a new facility?

Civil Defense Administrator Darryl Oliveira said the risk is within reason.

“We understand the investment the county would be making,” he said. “Based on the benefits with the community having a park, it seemed reasonable.”

The hardened flows could also provide a bit of a barrier for that part of town, depending on which path lava follows, Oliveira said.

The project will add 29 acres of park space to the existing 15-acre park on Kauhale Street.

When it’s finished, there will be two lighted baseball fields, two multi-purpose fields, covered play courts, a new playground and restrooms. One of the multi-purpose fields will also have lights for nighttime use.

The current project is considered phase one of the park’s expansion.

In the future, a third baseball field, a track, soccer/multi-purpose field and amphitheater are planned.

Both phases are expected to cost $54 million.

The plan covers a 71-acre site, including the existing improvements.

Honma said the Pahoa Senior Center, turned back into a fire station during the lava threat, should reopen for seniors within a week or two.

Email Tom Callis at tcallis@hawaiitribune- herald.com.