A planned pavilion to house community, cultural, educational and recreational activities at Hookena Beach Park is now up for public review. A planned pavilion to house community, cultural, educational and recreational activities at Hookena Beach Park is now up for
A planned pavilion to house community, cultural, educational and recreational activities at Hookena Beach Park is now up for public review.
Hawaii County Planning Director Bobby Jean Leithead Todd gave the project, which will create a 3,200-square-foot multipurpose building at Hookena Beach Park in South Kona, a finding of no significant impact, according to a draft environmental assessment filed March 6.
Nonprofits The Friends of Honokaa Beach Park and Paa Pono Milolii have proposed to build the facility on county-owned land using federal Housing and Urban Development funds, according to the draft. It will consist of a central, open-air lanai space of 1,600 feet, an enclosed office space, two storage rooms, and cultural and exhibition space. According to the draft EA, it will not feature plumbing or restrooms but will meet Americans with Disabilities Act standards.
No changes in overall land use and minor increases in the use of the land is anticipated, according to the draft.
The groups still need special management area use, building, and grading and grubbing permits, according to the draft. The pavilion is expected to cost about $400,000 to construct and take about 12 months to complete.
Currently, the beach park area has a 550-square-foot restroom facility with two outside showers, unpaved parking for about 30 cars, a picnic area and a 20-by-40 covered pavilion, according to the draft.
The assessment said the Newell’s shearwater, the endangered Hawaiian petrel, Hawaiian hawk and Hawaiian hoary bat have all been observed at the site. Minimizing bright outdoor lighting, shielding any necessary light sources, and using motion detectors, where practical, to provide light only when necessary will be implemented to reduce any impact on the species.
The draft EA also noted the project site is located in an area where no archaeological resources have previously been encountered.
Two other sites were considered for the project, according to the draft.
The National Environmental Policy Act draft environmental assessment can be viewed online at the state Department of Health’s Office of Environmental Quality Control website at oeqc.doh.hawaii.gov/default.aspx. Comments will be accepted through April 23.
