HONOLULU – The Department of Land and Natural Resources will begin construction on Tuesday to improve the water and irrigation systems at Diamond Head State Monument.

Diamond Head will remain open during the work, but portions of the park inside the crater (the field adjacent to the parking lot, and the open lawn between the parking lot and the trailhead) will be closed and marked with security barriers during the installation of the new water and irrigation lines.

“Diamond Head State Monument, the most recognized landmark and iconic symbol of Hawai‘i, is one of the state’s premier visitor destinations for both residents and tourists, with over 600,000 visitors per year. This project will provide much needed improvements to basic amenities and maintain the landscaped grounds for the public enjoyment of this unique park,” said Laura H. Thielen, DLNR chairwoman.

Funding to replace the park irrigation system and improve the water line improvements is provided by a matching grant from the Land and Water Conservation Fund Program administered by the National Park Service and state funds from the Hawai‘i Tourism Authority’s transient accommodation tax.

A second phase of park improvements using the Land and Water Conservation Fund grant will include expanded landscaping and the installation of new picnic tables and benches in the park area of the crater floor between the parking lot and trailhead.

“These improvements demonstrate DLNR’s commitment to the objectives of our Recreational Renaissance,” Thielen said. “The water system and irrigation improvement project is listed on the governor’s $1.8 billion statewide Capital Improvement Projects initiative list. These public infrastructure improvement projects are being implemented statewide as part of a comprehensive effort to stimulate the economy and create jobs.”

The project contractor for the water system and irrigation improvements is Paradigm Construction L.L.C., and the contract cost is $89,940. Completion is expected by early December.

For more information, contact the Division of State Parks O‘ahu office at 587-0300, or visit www.hawaiistateparks.org.