91直播 County might use a single environmental assessment to cover both the temporary fix and permanent replacement of the damaged Moku‘ola (Coconut Island) pedestrian bridge.
According to Tom Callis, spokesman for Mayor Kimo Alameda, the close relationship between the projects “would allow all potential impacts to be addressed in one document.”
“The primary environmental concerns relate to construction activities occurring in and around coastal waters,” Callis told the Tribune-Herald last week. “These include the potential for impacts to nearshore reef ecosystems, degradation of water quality from turbidity or debris, and disturbance to marine life. Careful planning and implementation of best management practices will be necessary to avoid or minimize these effects during both temporary and permanent bridge work.”
A portion of the elevated walkway to the popular island park off Banyan Drive behind the Hilo 91直播an Hotel collapsed Nov. 14 as a county crew attempted driving an 8,000-pound mini-excavator across the bridge to conduct maintenance in the park.
Callis said the initial temporary fix will involve “removing the collapsed segment and replacing it with a temporary span.”
“The temporary span will be modular in design, allowing it to be disassembled and reused,” he said. “The scope of work includes environmental clearances, demolition/removal of the collapsed span, verifying the integrity of the remaining bridge spans, installation of a temporary bridge span and re-connection of utilities for the island.
“We estimate it will take up to two years to have this temporary span in place and access restored, but the mayor is pushing to have this done within 18 months.”
He said the cost for the temporary span will be about $1.5 million to $2 million.
Callis said that planning of both the temporary bridge repair and its permanent replacement will be accomplished concurrently.
“We estimate that bridge reconstruction will begin in 2029 following completion of environmental clearances, planning/design, permitting, etc.,” he said “Our preliminary cost estimate, which is reflected in the proposed (capital improvement projects) budget, is $20 million. The actual cost will depend on design and the bids that we receive, and we will be pursuing federal funds to help cover the cost.”
The bridge, which connects Moku‘ola to the Waiakea Peninsula, was opened to pedestrian traffic in 1969. The park is popular for family picnics, for diving off the rock tower, fishing — and, for years, was the site of Kamehameha Day celebrations.
“Moku‘ola is one of our most beloved parks, and we are committed to reestablishing safe pedestrian access as soon as possible,” Mayor Kimo Alameda said in a statement. “Our team is advancing options for a temporary solution that will reconnect the community with the island while we complete the planning and permitting required to replace the nearly 60‑year‑old bridge.
“We appreciate the community’s patience and understanding as we work to restore access and make the long‑term investments that will sustain the park for future generations.”
According to Callis, no County Council resolutions are necessary to contract consultants for the work involved to restore safe pedestrian access to Moku‘ola.
”Requests for proposals will be issued to procure professional services for design and related support,” he said. “The selected design consultants will be responsible for preparing the construction bid documents, including plans, specifications and estimates.”
Email John Burnett at john.burnett@hawaiitribune-herald.com.
