Department of Land and Natural Resources

DEPARTMENT OF LAND AND NATURAL RESOURCES
News Release

NEIL ABERCROMBIE GOVERNOR

WILLIAM J. AILA JR, CHAIRPERSON

For Immediate News Release November 5, 2013

ROCKFALL HAZARD MITIGATION PROJECT PLANNED FOR
WAILUA RIVER STATE PARK AND FERN GROTTO

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LIHUE — Starting Friday, Nov. 8, 2013, the Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) will implement rockfall hazard mitigation improvements on a portion of the Wailua River bank slope below Kuamoo Road near the Poliahu Lookout.

A localized net system will be installed and anchored to the riverbank slope to contain potential rockfall areas. This will address the safety of recreational users of the Wailua River. Also, slope stabilization improvements will start at Fern Grotto, which includes the installation of erosion matting to stabilize the slope adjacent to the pathway leading to the viewing platform.

The improvements on the riverbanks are a continued effort to mitigate potential rockfall hazards in this area. In 2012, a rockfall occurred on this slope and buoys were placed in the river to divert users from this area.

An archaeological survey was conducted because the project area is located near the Poliahu Heiau, and input was sought from several cultural groups on Kauai to address impacts to archaeological and cultural resources. Archaeological monitoring will occur during this project, as recommended by DLNR’s State Historic Preservation Division. No monitoring is required for the Fern Grotto work.

Project impacts along the river will include the use and sight of large machinery on the riverbank, riverway access delays, and Fern Grotto pathway sections. Safety measures will include a fence to contain any materials from entering the river.

“We appreciate the patience and understanding of residents and visitors that may be affected by this project,” said Dan Quinn, State Parks administrator.

The rockfall mitigation work will be conducted by AIS Construction Company. The construction cost of the project is approximately $444,000 with funding from the state’s capital improvement projects budget. Project completion is anticipated by end of December, weather conditions permitting.

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Media Contact:
Deborah Ward
Public information specialist
(808) 587-0320