KAILUA, Oahu (KHON2) — Things could look a bit different at Kailua Beach Park, starting with today’s opening of the Ka’elepulu stream mouth.
Tuesday morning, the Department of Facility Maintenance opened the Ka’elepulu stream mouth after the tide was high enough. The goal is to improve water flow and help reduce the risk of flooding in that area.
In a statement, the city said, “The opening was timed with high tide to maximize water exchange, and to help prevent the stream mouth from quickly closing again.”
Now that the stream mouth is open, the usually stagnant water is now much more streamy. However, it’s still recommended to avoid the water, at least until the dredging process is completed.
The stream mouth opening also serves as part of the Department of Parks and Recreation’s greater Kailua Beach Dune Restoration project, which has been ongoing for Kailua Beach Park since last November.
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“It’s really a long-term effort on our part to restore the dunes of Kailua beach,” said Department of Parks and Recreation’s Nathan Serota, “This stream clearing effort really works in tandem with us to make sure that we can create as much recreational space for the community as possible.”
“People have been amazed where the project has played in its initial phases,” said Bill Hicks, Kailua Neighborhood Board Chair. “And they’re amazed how much more sand there is close to the coastline.”
But even further changes are coming to the beach park, as for the first time, park closure hours will start to be in effect. This stems from concerns from residents and the Honolulu Police Department regarding keeping the rules of the park enforced in the late hours.
However, the hours may not come with as much changes as it initially sounds.
“You can still traverse, you can still walk through the park to get to any amount of recreational resources (ocean, parking lot, residential areas),” said Serota. “So you can go through the park when it’s closed, you just can’t remain in the park when it’s closed.”
Closure hours will begin on Friday.