MEDIA RELEASE

As part of the Lingle-Aiona Administration’s ongoing efforts to upgrade state parks statewide, the Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) this week began construction of improvements for public accessibility at the Big Island’s MacKenzie State Park.

MacKenzie State Park.
Improvements include the construction of an accessible parking stall and aisle, connecting walkway, accessible picnic table and related improvements at the pavilion in the park.

“MacKenzie State Park is utilized by local residents and these improvements are part of the Lingle-Aiona Administration’s ongoing efforts to improve the accessibility of our state parks statewide and to ensure safety and comfort for all residents and visitors who use the parks,” said Laura Thielen, DLNR chairperson.

To optimize State funds and expedite construction activities, this project has been bundled with accessibility improvements at other DLNR facilities including: the Division of Forestry and Wildlife’s Hilo Baseyard Office and the Tree Nursery Office and Wildlife Office in Waimea.

MacKenzie State Parks occupies 13 acres on the low-cliffed, wild volcanic Puna coastline. The park offers picnicking and tent camping in an ironwood grove, shore fishing and an old Hawaiian coastal trail traverses the park.

The park will remain open. However, to ensure the safety of park users, the pavilion will be closed during construction and safety barriers will be placed around the construction site.