UPDATE: Hawaii County has launched an urgent investigation into the collapse of a section of the footbridge connecting Waiakea Peninsula to Moku‘ola (Coconut Island) in Hilo, following a significant incident on November 14. The county is employing emergency procurement procedures to hire a structural engineer to assess the damage, with immediate decisions on the bridge’s future expected shortly.
The bridge, which has been a vital access point since it opened to pedestrians in 1969, suffered a partial collapse when a mini-excavator was driven across for maintenance. Parks and Recreation Director Clayton Honma stated that the engineer’s initial evaluation will determine whether the damaged section can remain while plans for a new or rehabilitated bridge are developed.
“This could potentially save costs, as a contractor could handle both the removal of the failed section and construction of the new bridge in one mobilization,” Honma said. The engineer will also evaluate the condition of the piers and abutments, which appear to be in better shape than the girders.
The county initially estimated the repair or replacement of the bridge at around $2 million, but Honma emphasized that this figure was not a comprehensive analysis of the entire project. “We need to assess the full scope and gather bids before providing a final cost,” he added. The urgency of the situation is compounded by the bridge’s importance for public access and park maintenance.
Mayor Kimo Alameda expressed the cultural significance of Moku‘ola, stating, “Until the bridge is deemed safe, all access to Moku‘ola is prohibited. Our administration is committed to restoring access as soon as feasible.” He assured the public that the county is actively collaborating with state and federal agencies to expedite the project.
Currently, the timeline for the project is projected to be between 18 to 24 months, contingent on various factors such as regulatory approvals and the availability of specialized construction services. Honma indicated that while the county intends to comply with environmental laws, it remains uncertain if an environmental assessment will be necessary.
In the meantime, authorities are urging the public to avoid the closed area for safety reasons. “We appreciate the community’s understanding as we navigate these challenges,” Honma said.
As the situation develops, residents and stakeholders are encouraged to stay informed about the bridge’s status. Further updates will be provided as assessments and planning progress.
