Blessing held for Hanalei Base Yard Office and Garage project on Thursday

County officials held a blessing for the Hanalei Base Yard and Garage project on Thursday.

“We would like to express our gratitude to the North Shore community for providing valuable input and engaging in meaningful discussions regarding this project,” said Mayor Derek S.K. Kawakami. “We have faced numerous disasters in the past, and this upgraded facility for our workers and equipment improves the resilience of our community for future disasters.”

Attendees included staff from the Department of Public Works, Kaua‘i County Council, Planning Department, Department of Parks and Recreation, Kaua‘i Fire Department, Ocean Safety Bureau, Kaua‘i Department of Water, representatives from Hanalei Initiative, Hanalei Watershed Hui, and Hanalei to Hā‘ena Community Association, and others.

The project’s contractor is Unlimited Construction Services, Inc., and design consultants include Marc Ventura AIA, Architect and Kodani and Associates Engineering.

Following the 2018 historic flood that damaged the Hanalei Base Yard, a project was initiated to construct a new office and garage for the Public Works Roads Division.

However, the project expanded to encompass several other additions, including a garage for the Ocean Safety Bureau to house a new rescue boat for the Kaua‘i Fire Department, infrastructure upgrades, office and storage space for the Department of Parks and Recreation, and a garage and office for the Department of Water to better serve the North Shore.

In collaboration with the Hanalei Initiative, the Hanalei Watershed Hui, and the Hanalei-to-Hāena Community Association, a new playground was also constructed for children.

The total cost of the project is $6.5 million. Funds from the State of Hawai‘i and the Department of Water paid for the new buildings, garages, and infrastructure improvements. Funds from The Department of Parks and Recreation and monies raised through the generosity of the community by the Hanalei Initiative paid for the new playground.