An empty lot on Kamehameha Avenue could be the site of Hilo’s newest ball fields as early as next summer.
The Hawaii County Department of Parks and Recreation recently issued a draft environmental assessment for the project — which would include a multi-use field capable of hosting football, soccer and rugby events — on the makai side of the Hoolulu recreational complex.
James Komata, park planner, said the facility’s design is nearly complete and he hopes to issue bids for construction of phase one, estimated at $1 million, in the next couple months. He said the field likely would be ready for use in summer 2016.
“Fields are in short supply and high demand,” Komata said. “We definitely feel this is a win-win for everyone.”
The 9-acre site sits on state land bordered by Kamehameha Avenue and Manono and Kuawa streets. The state will transfer the property through an executive order, according to the assessment.
Later construction phases will include a youth soccer field and baseball diamond.
A concession stand, field lighting, bleachers and a trail also are included in the park’s plan.
The site was part of Waiakea Town, and soil samples indicate elevated levels of arsenic and lead.
Komata said it’s not clear what the source of the contaminates might have been.
The property was once used to store dredged material from Wailoa River.
He said the “bioaccessibility” results for arsenic came back favorable but the county is considering mitigation measures that could include replacing contaminated soil or adjusting the park’s layout.
Email Tom Callis at tcallis@hawaiitribune-herald.com.