HANALEI, Kaua'i – In an effort to clean up and do the necessary repair work on the park's septic system, Black Pot Beach Park will be closed for two weeks from May 15 to 31, according to a news release from Kaua'i County.

"The county is working with the state to take care of a public safety issue at Black Pot Beach Park," said Bernard Carvalho, director of the Department of Parks and Recreation. "The timing is also perfect for preparing the park for summer activities."

According to Doug Haigh, chief of the Department of Public Works Building Division, the park's septic system was installed in 1990 and needs to be upgraded.

"Basically, we'll be upgrading the existing wastewater system at the park to increase capacity and improve effluent disposal," said Haigh, adding that the major portion of the work is expected to be completed by the end of May.

Plans are also under way for north shore residents to participate in a community workday at the park during the closure.

Hanalei resident Catherine Ham Young, who is an active participant in the county's Adopt-a-Park program, has gathered a team of volunteers and is leading the charge for the May 17 workday.

Other community groups that have committed to helping on the park beautification project include the Hanalei Community Association and the Rotary Club of Hanalei Bay.

For information regarding the community workday, please contact Catherine Stovall at 241-6398 or cstovall@kauai.gov.

Beginning June 1, the number of campers allowed at Black Pot Beach Park will increase from to 50 to 85.

"We're pleased that soon we'll be able to offer more residents and visitors the option of camping at one of our beautiful parks," said Carvalho, noting the popularity of the north shore park particularly during the summer.