Hawaii County is swiftly taking action following the recent collapse of a footbridge connecting Waiakea Peninsula to Moku‘ola (Coconut Island). Emergency procurement procedures are underway to hire a structural engineer to assess the damage, as reported by Parks and Recreation Director Clayton Honma.
On November 14, 2023, a section of the elevated walkway collapsed while county crews were using a mini-excavator for maintenance. This urgent evaluation will determine critical next steps, including whether to remove the damaged section immediately or leave it in place while planning for a new or rehabilitated bridge.
Honma emphasized the potential cost savings of retaining the failed segment during the reconstruction process, stating, “Keeping the failed section in place has the potential for cost savings because a contractor could complete the removal of the failed section and the construction of the new or rehabilitated bridge as part of one mobilization.”
Initial assessments suggest that while the girders of the bridge are compromised, the piers and abutments may still be structurally sound. Determining their remaining useful life is crucial to avoid unnecessary costs. “It would not make sense to replace the bridge deck structure atop existing supports if those vertical elements are projected to have a much shorter life or limited load capacity,” Honma explained.
The bridge, which has served pedestrian traffic since 1969, has been crucial for transporting equipment for park maintenance. The county initially estimated repairs or replacement could cost around $2 million, but Honma clarified that this figure was only for restoring the bridge to its previous condition. “It’s too early to say what the cost will be as it depends on the ultimate scope of the project,” he stated.
Funding for the project is expected to come from county resources, with management by the Department of Parks and Recreation and bidding facilitated by the Department of Public Works. Preliminary estimates indicate that the entire project could take 18 to 24 months, contingent on various external factors, including regulatory approvals and specialized construction procedures.
Mayor Kimo Alameda highlighted the cultural and community significance of Moku‘ola, stressing that all access to the island is currently prohibited until the bridge is declared safe. “Our administration is dedicated to restoring access as soon as it is feasible,” he said. “We will be working closely with all the necessary state and federal agencies to ensure that this project moves forward as seamlessly as possible.”
As assessments continue, the public is urged to avoid the closed area for their safety. The situation remains fluid, and updates will follow as Hawaii County progresses with plans for the bridge’s future.
For further inquiries, contact John Burnett at [email protected].
