Gov. Linda Lingle has released $1.25 million for new restrooms and accessibility improvements at MacKenzie State Park on the Big Island.

The project is part of a larger effort by the Department of Land and Natural Resources to repair, replace or improve facilities at state parks.

The money will be used to replace the restrooms' cesspool with a new composting treatment system, and for improvements to the parking area, pavilion and pathways to make the park more easily accessible to all visitors.

Design work is to be completed by the end of this year, with construction scheduled for completion by October 2010.