Puna, Hawaiʻi – The County of Hawaiʻi Department of Parks and Recreation has announced that Isaac Hale Beach Park will be temporarily closed to the public starting September 2, 2025, and will remain closed until further notice. The closure is for public safety during crane dredging operations at the Pohoiki Boat Ramp, located within the park.
The dredging is part of a $9.28 million contract awarded to Goodfellow Bros., LLC by the Hawaiʻi Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR). The project’s goal is to remove sand and lava debris from the 2018 Kīlauea eruption to restore a wide entrance channel for the boat ramp.
Crane dredging operations are scheduled to begin on September 3 and will continue through October 31. The entire restoration project is expected to be completed by November.
Mayor Kimo Alameda stated that the temporary park closure is necessary to ensure the project can be completed safely and effectively, and he thanked the public for their patience. DLNR Engineer Finn McCall also noted that the project is critical for restoring ocean access for the Puna community, including fishers, boaters, and emergency rescue personnel. The temporary closure is vital to ensure safety, as the crane will be carrying heavy loads of lava debris overhead.
Hawaiʻi County Council member Ashley Kierkiewicz, whose district includes Pohoiki, commented on the importance of the project, stating, “Restoring the boat ramp means restoring an essential connection to the ocean that was lost in the 2018 eruption.” She added that the county and community partners worked closely with DLNR to advocate for the dredging, and this temporary closure ensures the work can be done safely and efficiently.