Kaua‘i County Department of Public Works Roads Division hosted a blessing ceremony Wednesday, March 25, to kick off renovations at the county’s Hanapēpē Baseyard.
The facility supports operations for multiple county departments, including Public Works, Parks and Recreation, Kaua‘i Fire Department Ocean Safety Bureau and others.
“A big mahalo to all of our county crews for their continued dedication and hard work,” said Kaua‘i County Mayor Derek Kawakami in a county release about the event. “From the recent kona low storms to the many emergencies our island has faced, you’ve shown up time and time again.”
The renovation project focuses on modernizing the baseyard to provide a safer, more functional workspace for county crews who maintain roads, parks and coastal areas throughout West Kaua‘i.
Improvements include:
- Replacing flooring in offices, bathrooms and locker rooms.
- Repainting interior spaces.
- Updating picture windows.
- Adding a second entrance to better support daily operations.
Additional upgrades will enhance safety and security, including:
- Separating locker room and bathroom areas.
- Installing a new perimeter fence around the baseyard and transfer station to better protect equipment and infrastructure.
The $835,000 project reflects the county’s continued investment in its workforce and facilities that support essential services islandwide.
“This project is about taking care of the people who take care of our island,” Kawakami added. “Our baseyards are critical to daily operations, and investments like this strengthen the foundation of the work we do. While it may not always be visible, it directly supports the services our community depends on.”
Hanapēpē Baseyard serves as a key hub for field operations on the island’s west side, supporting a wide range of services from road maintenance and park upkeep to ocean safety response.
These upgrades will improve coordination, efficiency and safety for the crews who rely on the facility every day.
Kahu Sean Chun leads the Hanapēpē Baseyard renovation project blessing March 25, 2026. (Courtesy Photo: Kaua‘i County)- Group photo during the Hanapēpē Baseyard renovation project blessing March 25, 2026. (Courtesy Photo: Kaua‘i County)
County officials, staff and project partners gathered for the blessing, led by Kahu Sean Chun, to honor the start of renovations project, as well as ask for protection and success for the project and those who serve at the baseyard.
Kaua‘i County remains committed to investing in infrastructure and facilities that strengthen operations and support the employees who serve the community.
“By investing in facilities like this, we’re making sure our crews have the space, safety and support they need to continue maintaining our roads and responding in times of need,” Kawakami said. “That’s what keeps our island safe and moving forward.”
Contact Kelli-Ann Oku with Kaua‘i County Department of Public Works at 808-241-4899 or via email at koku@kauai.gov for additional information.
