Pollution Paving Project Pauses Parking By Park

Paving work to reduce pollution runoff in Kailua also will reduce parking along Kaelepulu Stream for “two to three weeks,” said Hui o Ko‘olaupoko executive director Todd Cullison.

The nonprofit begins working on stormwater enhancement Sept. 4 at Kailua District Park and along Popoia Road. The work will close the parking area along the stream next to Buzz’s Original Steak House seven days a week. Construction will run from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays, Cullison said, but people will have access to their homes and Buzz’s will remain open.

“The project will improve the parking area, reduce pollutants associated with stormwater runoff and demonstrate how new building techniques can protect stream health,” he explained.

The first phase will install a new parking surface to allow water to infiltrate below the surface through specially designed pavers. The second phase will landscape with native vegetation between the parking area and the stream.

Funders are the state Clean Water Branch, Tourism Authority Natural Resource Program and the EPA. Partners are the city parks department, Buzz’s and Lanikai Elementary School. Call 277-5611.