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Committee pushes Parks to expedite Isaac Hale Beach Park restoration, adds outstanding documents to resolution
Summary
After testimony from residents and a planner’s update on documents and funding, the committee amended and unanimously forwarded Resolution 4‑28‑25 Jan. 6 to urge prioritization and faster restoration of Isaac Hale Beach Park; members pressed Parks & Recreation for a timeline and monthly updates.
The Hawaii County committee on Jan. 6 voted to amend and forward Resolution 4‑28‑25 to the full council with a favorable recommendation, directing the Department of Parks and Recreation to prioritize and expedite restoration of Isaac Hale Beach Park at Pohoiki in Lower Puna.
Residents and community leaders described ongoing hardship since the Kīlauea eruption, which they said occurred more than seven years ago, and urged quicker action. Kevin Cashel, acting president of the Main Street Pahoa Association, described losses to recreation and fishing infrastructure and said the community remains “on crutches.” Several residents called for recreation space, safe swimming access and economic recovery for local fishers.
Councilmember Kirkowitz led a lengthy exchange with Parks planner James Komata. Komata said the consultant-submitted draft environmental assessment and archaeological/preservation plans have been reviewed by the project manager and that final review comments should be returned to the consultant in about one to two weeks. He said the project “remains a priority” for the administration but acknowledged competing departmental priorities.
On financing and scope, councilmembers and Komata discussed a range of estimates and available funds. A consultant’s preliminary design was described in committee discussion as carrying an estimated price tag of roughly $16 million for full restoration, while Komata said earlier iterations suggested a preliminary estimate as high as $60 million and that a final estimate has not been completed. Komata confirmed identified funding includes $5 million in FEMA disaster recovery (Section 428) funds and bond authorization for $3 million; he said phasing the work is likely and that conversations with finance and the mayor’s office about covering costs are ongoing. "I don't have a final estimate so I can't share that number with you," Komata told the committee.
Councilmember Kirkowitz successfully moved to amend the resolution to incorporate additional communications listing outstanding plans (Communication 662.1). The amendment passed (clerk recorded 8 ayes on the amendment), and the committee then voted 9‑0 to forward the amended resolution to the full council. Committee members asked the department for monthly updates on document review, budgets and implementation timelines so the project does not slip further.
The resolution as amended requests Parks & Recreation to prioritize the Isaac Hale restoration, complete outstanding reviews, and coordinate funding and community‑driven management plans; the full council will next consider the committee recommendation.
