Kolekole Gulch Park Accessibility Improvements

Located within a steep steep gulch between Old Mamalahoa Highway and Kolekole Stream, the primary aim of the project was to provide a safe and fully accessible park in compliance with the Americans with Disability Act (ADA) while also making significant upgrades to aging infrastructures. Kolekole Gulch Park has been a cherished landmark on Hawai‘i Island since the early 1930’s, supporting swimming, fishing, camping, and other recreational activities. Major improvements included construction of a new comfort station, new pavilion, potable water infrastructure, fire protection water system, refurbished pavilions, resurfaced parking lot, new walkways and ramps, lighting and landscaping. Rather than opting for demolition, existing structures were thoughtfully repurposed and renovated, minimizing waste and helping preserve the historical character of the site.

The Kolekole Bridge, originally part of a railroad and rebuilt in 1950 for vehicle use, experienced lead paint contamination over time as paint dispersed into the soil below. The project involved extensive coordination with the State of Hawai‘i Department of Transportation, regulatory agencies, and contractors to safely and efficiently remove the lead-contaminated soil. Project design and construction were carefully sequenced to enable the removal of both current and future contamination, while maintaining public access to the park and its amenities.

Topographic survey covered the park driveway, parking areas, and pavilion surroundings—from the toe of the southern slope to the top of the stream bank—and included certified shoreline survey work as required under the SMA. Civil design services included a potable water system using a trucked-in water storage tank and hydro-pneumatic system, and a new packaged Aerobic Treatment Unit with disposal system per State DOH regulations. Electrical design included new power service to the park and comfort station, and power supply to the wastewater system. Work also included relocation of devices for ADAAG compliance, plumbing upgrades to convert Pavilion 4 restrooms to single-occupant ADA-accessible units, replacement of existing fixtures, and plumbing reconfiguration. Structural scope included design for a new comfort station and modifications to existing pavilions.