WAILUKU — Maui County started work to remove a section of an 80-year-old pavilion that is in danger of sliding into the ocean because of erosion.
The county Department of Parks and Recreation announced the temporary closure of Baldwin Beach Park in Paia this week to remove part of the structure, The Maui News reported Wednesday.
County spokesman Brian Perry said about a third of the pavilion would be removed at a cost of $54,295.
“The peak summer erosion at Baldwin Beach has caused portions of the park pavilion to collapse,” Perry said.
There were previously showers and a bathroom near the pavilion built in 1940, but they were consumed by the ocean.
The parks department is developing a Baldwin Beach Park Master Plan, which will include the addition of new pavilions, Perry said.
The master plan includes two large pavilions on the east and west ends of the park on the northern coast of Maui.
The 650 square-foot west pavilion would be located inland to protect the structure from sea rise, fluctuations in beach sand and flood risk.
“The idea for a large pavilion, for example, is based on something that local families often do — hold parties and celebrations at the beach,” the plan said.
A 600 square-foot east pavilion with portable restrooms would be located on newly purchased land closer to the town of Paia.