Construction Resumes On $22.3 Million Pāhoa District Park

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C�Nt V•iiFnyq� William P. Kenoi ;. Mayor '«f'F�GF •Hh�N IXGouutp of 'Nabjafi DEPARTMENT OF PARKS AND RECREATION 101 Pauahi Street, Suite 6 • Hilo, Hawaii 96720 (808) 961-8311 9 Fax (808) 961-8411 http://www.hawaiicounty.E!ov/parks-and-recreation/ NEWS RELEASE: April 30, 2015 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Clayton S. Houma Director Kenneth J. Van Bergen Deputy Director Construction Resumes On $22.3 Million Pahoa District Park Fulfilling the County of Hawai`i's pledge to expand healthy recreational opportunities for the families of Lower Puna, construction on the $22.3 million Pahoa District Park has resumed. Park construction was paused in 2014 due to a rapidly advancing lava flow threatening Pahoa. After the lava flow threat level was downgraded, and after consultation with the Hawaiian Volcano Observatory and Hawaii County Civil Defense, the park project was given the green light to resume. "Our commitment to the families of Puna remains strong," said Mayor Billy Kenoi. "One of our priorities has always been to create more safe places for our kids to stay active and healthy. In collaboration with our Hawaii County Council, we are pleased to move forward with this project that will provide access to positive recreation for Hawaii Island's fastest- growing communities." When complete, this 29 -acre first phase of the Pahoa District Park will include a covered play court building, two baseball fields, two multipurpose fields, a playground, concession building, comfort station, accessible walkways, and ample parking. These features will complement Pahoa's existing recreational facilities that include the Pahoa Community Aquatic Center, Pahoa Neighborhood Facility, and Pahoa Skate Park. The park is also adjacent to the Pahoa Senior Center, which reverted to its previous use as a fire station during the lava flow threat. That facility is currently being converted back into a senior center, housing senior activities for kupuna in Lower Puna. The Puna Community Development Plan, adopted by the Hawaii County Council in 2008, identified the need for a district park in Lower Puna. A comprehensive planning process involving the community, the County, and project designers began in 2012 to ensure these new facilities reflect the recreational needs of Puna's residents. For more information, please contact Jason Armstrong, Public Information Officer, at 961- 8311 or iarmstronq(a�hawaiicounty.gov. 99113