Honolulu Reporter

O‘AHU – A project to replace the deteriorated viewing platform atop Koko Crater is scheduled to begin this week. Intermittent closures of the popular tramway trail and access to the crater’s summit will be restricted during four scheduled days, when use of a helicopter is required.

The project aims to demolish and replace the unstable, metal grate platform which formerly served as the top of a WWII-era radar station. Since being decommissioned and turned over to the City and County of Honolulu in 1966, this summit structure has served as a viewing platform offering exceptional 360-degree views of O‘ahu’s southeast corner to hikers utilizing the Koko Crater Tramway.

Understanding the popularity of this tramway trail, and the spectacular view offered to those who complete the roughly 1,050-step trek, the City will be replacing this platform with a new, safer steel structure designed for this recreational use. The rectangular platform will provide approximately 71 square feet of flat viewing area, surrounded by railing and accessible by an additional stairwell. The structure will be placed atop the existing concrete foundation, which remains in usable condition.

The contractor is scheduled to mobilize and begin staging within Koko Head District Park this week, starting Monday, June 5. Because of the difficult access to the Koko Crater Summit, the use of a helicopter is required to transport materials to and from Goeas Baseball Field at the park. As a result, the tramway and summit are scheduled to be closed to the public while the helicopter is in use:

• Wednesday, June 7
• Friday, June 16
• Monday, June 26
• Thursday, June 29

Additionally, the construction site atop the summit will be restricted from public use during the project. This $426,800 project is scheduled to be finished with construction by the end of summer 2023. SEY Engineers is the project’s design consultant, with Kaikor Construction Company, Inc as the primary contractor.

Prior to this project moving forward, City officials consulted with members of the non-profit group Kokonut Koalition, who had previously tasked an exemplary effort to completely refurbish the tramway trail in 2021. This project represents the second phase of the resolution reached between the City and Kokonut Koalition regarding safety improvements to various features at Koko Crater.

We understand the inconvenience caused by the tramway closure and appreciate the public’s patience and cooperation. During all other times when flights are not taking place, the tramway will be open for regular use. However, it is important to note that access to the construction site will be restricted throughout the duration of the project. This measure is necessary to maintain a secure environment during the construction process. We appreciate the public’s support as we look to enhance the hiking experience at what is considered to be the second most popular hiking trail on O‘ahu.

To request auxiliary aids or services, accommodations due to a disability, or an interpreter for a language other than English in reference to this announcement, please contact the Honolulu Department of Parks and Recreation at (808) 768-3003 on weekdays from 7:45 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. or email parks@honolulu.gov at least three business days before the scheduled event. Please note that we may not be able to fulfill requests without sufficient advance notice.

Original source can be found here.