Community-built comfort station project at Hā‘ena State Park gains state Land Board approval

Hawai‘i Board of Land and Natural Resources members on Friday approved the construction of a comfort station and septic system improvements at the popular Hā‘ena State Park on Kaua‘i.

The project is being undertaken by Hui Makaʻāinana o Makana, the nonprofit steward of Hā‘ena, with the ʻāina-based mission dedicated to perpetuating and protecting the natural and cultural resources of Hā‘ena, and under the auspices of the state Land Department Division of State Parks.

It is the first of its kind, where a nonprofit community group not only led the design and planning process but is paying for the entire capital improvement project with non-government funding.

Hui Makaʻāinana o Makana and its nonprofit partner The Hanalei Initiative operate the parking and shuttle system at Hā‘ena.

During the past 4 years, operating revenues were set aside for the construction of the new comfort station, which will be located in the parking lot where visitors and residents arrive.

This strategic location will not impact any cultural sites in the park and reduce the dependence on the only existing bathroom in the park by Kē‘ē Beach and the Kalalau Trailhead, in an environmentally and culturally sensitive area.

“Over the years, many people have commented on the lack of restroom facilities at the parking lot. It’s a 5- to 15-minute walk to the comfort station near the beach,” said Division of State Parks Administrator Curt Cottrell. “Moreover, the new station should reduce the number of people who head into the trees to relieve themselves, which will help protect the natural and cultural resources of Hā‘ena.”

While the number of parking spots will be reduced because of the new comfort station’s location, it’s anticipated park visitors can be accommodated via the modified parking plan and increased shuttle capacity.

Hāʻena State Park is located on Kauaʻi’s North Shore and offers viewing of restored loʻi kalo, or taro patches, as well as Nā Pali Coast State Wilderness Park.

The park also offers beach-related activities, including shore fishing and swimming at Ke’e Beach, and is home to the trailhead of the world-famous 11-mile Kalalau Trail as well as the 4-mile Hanakāpīʻai Falls Trail.

Hui Makaʻāinana o Makana, chartered in 1999, was also the driving force behind the establishment of the first Community-Based Subsistence Fishing Area in Hawai‘i, and continues working closely with the Hawai‘i Department of Land and Natural Resources Division of Aquatic Resources in its ongoing management.

The nonprofit intends to turn ownership of any newly constructed improvements over to the state upon completion.