Department of Land and Natural Resources

DEPARTMENT OF LAND AND NATURAL RESOURCES
News Release

DAVID Y. IGE GOVERNOR

SUZANNE D. CASE CHAIRPERSON

For Immediate News Release May 18, 2016

NEW PLATFORM LIFT TO BE INSTALLED AT THE ʻIOLANI PALACE

HONOLULU – People with mobility disabilities will again be able to join tours at the ʻIolani Palace State Monument.  A new custom inclined platform lift will replace an old lift that has been inoperable.  The new lift is designed for larger carrying capacity, a higher number of trips each day, and improved reliability through a routine maintenance program.

Located along the Diamond Head side of the ʻIolani Palace, the lift is designed to stop at the upper street parking level and traverse over the existing historical stairs to the Basement Gallery level.  The platform size will accommodate a passenger with a wheelchair or they can sit on a fold-away bench seat.

The DLNR has awarded a contract to Kaikor Construction Co., Inc. to complete this project at a cost of $265,900.  The contractor is expected to begin on Monday, May 23, 2016 with an estimated time of completion period of 180 calendar days. 

To expedite the project completion, the Contractor will begin with the demolition of the existing lift and constructing site improvements at the street parking level while the lift is being fabricated and delivered.  Site improvements will include enlarging the stair-top landing and modifying the surrounding asphalt areas to maintain an accessible route, while improving drainage.

“The need to replace and upgrade this lift is a testament to the heavy usage and the importantance of ensuring everyone can experience the interior of ʻIolani Palace,” said Curt Cottrell, DLNR Division of State Parks administrator. “We are definitely grateful that technology can provide this access without distracting from the character of this very historic landmark.”

“Once the project is complete, visitors in wheelchairs will once again be able to experience ʻIolani Palace in all its splendor,” said Kippen de Alba Chu, executive director for The Friends of ʻIolani Palace.

More information regarding wheelchair access is available on the ʻIolani Palace website:

https://www.iolanipalace.org/Visit/Accessibility.aspx

Visitors can arrange for wheelchair access when purchasing tour tickets.

# # #

Media Contact:

Dan Dennison
Senior Communications Manager
Hawaii Dept. of Land and Natural Resources
Office of the Chairperson
1151 Punchbowl Street, Room 131
Honolulu, HI 96813
(808) 587-0407
[email protected]