Highways

HILO – The Hawaiʻi Department of Transportation (HDOT) is seeking input from the Hakalau community on the proposed soil remediation plan for Hakalau Beach Park and Hakalau Stream Bridge on Hawaiʻi Belt Road (Route 19). The proposed alternatives include removal of soil, isolation, containment, replacement with clean fill, and partial access with restriction of areas showing highest levels of lead contamination.

The full report and comparison of the alternatives can be found here or viewed in person at the Hilo Public Library at 300 Waiānuenue Avenue. Written comments on the proposed soil remediation plan may be submitted to the State of Hawaiʻi Department of Health, Hazard Evaluation and Emergency Office through the options below:

Email by July 29, 2023, to:

Thomas Gilmore, [email protected]

Mail postmarked by July 29, 2023, to:

Hawaiʻi Department of Health

Hazard Evaluation and Emergency Office

Attention: Thomas Gilmore

2385 Waimano Home Road #100

Pearl City, Hawaiʻi 96782

Additional reports and documents relating to the lead contamination at Hakalau Beach Park and areas under Hakalau Stream Bridge may be found at https://health.hawaii.gov/heer/hakalau-stream-park/

Following the public comment period, HDOT plans to address the soil remediation as part of the Hakalau Stream Bridge Rehabilitation Project. The Hakalau Stream Bridge project currently has an estimated start of late 2024 and an estimated cost of $65 million.

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