State Cleanup Plan For Big Island Park Leaves Residents With Questions … Two state departments have settled on a plan for removing lead-contaminated soil at Kolekole Beach Park but have not yet identified the funding for it.
In 2016, Hawaii island residents lost access to a popular campsite, fishing stream and surf spot due to concerns over lead contamination in Kolekole Beach Park, north of Hilo.
However, in March 2020, the Hawaii Department of Transportation reopened public access after taking actions to warn park-goers with posted signs, maintain grass growth to cover bare soil and block off areas with the highest levels of contamination.
Now, after reviewing six potential remedies, the Department of Health and DOT are proposing a long-term solution to remove all soil exceeding a DOH standard of 200 milligrams of lead per kilogram of soil and replacing it with clean fill.
According to Tom Gilmore, DOH remediation project manager, both departments prefer off-site disposal.
