LAVA TREE STATE MONUMENT TO CLOSE FEBRUARY 1 FOR IMPROVEMENTS

HILO – Lava Tree State Monument will be closed from Tuesday, February 1, 2011, for park improvements that include comfort station renovations, loop trail and pathway resurfacing, pavilion reconstruction, rest stop repairs, removal of tree hazards, and the construction of a new interpretive informational kiosk.

"The closure is necessary to ensure the safety of our park users and we appreciate everyone's understanding and patience," said Dan Quinn, State Parks Administrator.

"The park will reopen around March 15, 2011, or as weather will permit, to allow residents and visitors to use facilities that have been completed. Though the park facilities will be open we will need to complete work in areas that will not affect our users such as the loop trail,"" Quinn added.

Last fall the park was closed for three months last year from mid-September through mid-December, for tree trimming around the parking lot, reconstruction of the park entry road and parking lot, including ADA parking stalls, and repaving and striping.

The contractor is Central Construction Inc., and the project cost is $614,123.00.

Tour companies that bring visitors to the park have been notified of the park closure and signs will be posted at the entrance.