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Parks Ef Recreation has submitted park improvement concepts and equipment scopes to <br />FEMA for its consideration and approval, based on what was learned throughout the <br />Revitalize Pohoiki initiative. The final design and construction of Isaac Kepo'okalani Hale <br />Beach Park improvements will commence following environmental review, additional <br />community engagement, and engineering considerations. <br />For the future access to and stewardship of the Pohoiki area, the County is investing in the <br />restoration of Pohoiki Road, including a new, alternate alignment to the historic Mango <br />Road, and Highway 137 which were impacted by the 2018 eruption. In conjunction with <br />this road access, the County is restoring water supply to Pohoiki with a six-inch main to <br />provide water for recreational and boat use. This construction of roads and water systems is <br />anticipated to begin in 2023 and continue through 2024. <br />Significant public support exists for ocean access along Pohoiki's coastline. The County <br />maintains Isaac Kepo'okalani Hale Beach Park, while the State of Hawaii holds legal <br />authority over the Pohoiki Boat Ramp as well as newly created land located makai of the <br />shoreline that existed prior to the 2018 eruption event. <br />The coastline created by the lava flow varies from steep cliffs to sand aggregate beaches, <br />such as Pohoiki Bay that is currently filled with rock and sand. While this material is being <br />eroded and altered by wave action and currents, planning for restoration of boating access <br />is underway. The State of Hawaii Department of Land and Natural Resources (DNLR) <br />Division of Boating and Ocean Recreation (DOBAR) has pursued federal funding to re- <br />establish access to the boat ramp. The ongoing project (currently in the planning phase, led <br />by The Limtiaco Consulting Group) aims to dredge sufficient material to create a boat <br />access to/from the existing ramp area and provide bank stabilization to limit rock and debris <br />from filling in the channel. As part of this planning process, potential safe swim areas are <br />being reviewed. Funds to develop a safe swim area must be secured as it is beyond the <br />scope of what FEMA will reimburse. <br />The County, lawai'a, and Puna residents remain committed to working with the State to <br />restore the boat ramp, pursue possible locations for safe swimming, and ensure access <br />along the new coastline, as well as opportunities for stewardship, cultural practices, and <br />public education as there is significant interest in seeing and experiencing this space <br />following the eruption. <br />The Revitalize Pohoiki plan is a guiding framework for restoration and preservation of Isaac <br />Kepo'okalani Hale Beach Park and the Pohoiki region and has been crafted in a way that <br />invites contribution from all community stakeholders. <br />n. <br />