Organizers behind an effort to build a network of mixed-use trails through some of Hilo’s most scenic spots say that they could break ground on the first phase in September.
The Hilo Bayfront Trails project currently has money set aside to begin work on the first phase and expects to raise matching funds through donations, said Peter Kubota, president of the nonprofit organization.
“We’re getting our website ready to accept contributions, and then we’ll be ready to rock and roll with the groundbreaking,” he said.
The project was selected in October by the state Department of Land and Natural Resources to receive a $345,743 grant from the National Park Service, said Jason Armstrong, spokesman for the county Department of Parks and Recreation, which is overseeing construction on county property. Meanwhile, the county has made a $25,000 contribution to the project.
The first phase is a “$750,000 project that will cost Big Island taxpayers $25,000,” Armstrong said. “We hope to begin with the groundbreaking soon. We have the permits in place and now we’re just waiting for the Bayfront Trails group to get their website up and running.”
The first phase would consist of three segments of 12-foot-wide, multi-use sidewalk totaling a mile in length. Two segments would extend from the Mooheau bus terminal along the mauka side of Bayfront Highway to the canoe shed area by the Suisan Bridge. A third segment will extend mauka of the soccer fields in Mooheau Park and connect back up with the other segment at the four-way intersection at Pauahi Street, Armstrong said.
Armstrong said it is difficult to predict how long the first phase of the project will take to complete, as it will depend on volunteer labor organized by the Bayfront Trails Group.
“Per the grant terms, we have to conclude by December 2016,” he said. “We have 19 months left or so. It’s hard to estimate how long since it’s based on volunteer labor. It’s not like a regular construction project. … The number of volunteers could vary … But as far as construction projects go, it’s not terribly complicated. We’re just building a large sidewalk through developed park land.”
Another phase involves trails running through the Wailoa River State Recreation Area. Approximately $1 million has already been appropriated for the project, but it’s not clear when work will begin, Kubota said.
A call to the DLNR seeking more information on the state’s timeline wasn’t immediately returned Thursday afternoon.
The state-supervised section of the trail would run around Waiakea Pond and the Wailoa River and extend back toward the Wailoa Sampan Basin and Boat Harbor. Future plans could include trails extending mauka toward the University of Hawaii at Hilo campus, and eastward to Hilo Harbor.
The total price tag for the current plans sit at about $6 million, Kubota said. However, through making use of available matching grants and donations, the actual cost to Big Island residents will be far less, he said.
“What it boils down to is, we’ve gotta raise $3 million to $4 million. If we raise $500,000 on island (we have commitments) from foundations, we could get about $2 million. If we raise $1 million, we’ll get $3 million,” he said.
The nonprofit organization is also looking at options for adding signage, benches, water fountains and other amenities along the trails. Donors may also be able to purchase commemorative pavers.
For more information and to see a copy of the project’s master plan, visit hawaiicountycdp.info/bayfront-trails or email hilobayfronttrails@gmail.com.
Email Colin M. Stewart at cstewart@hawaiitribune-herald.com.