Repairs to a century-old bridge in Hakalau valley might have to wait until October to avoid the Hawaiian hawk’s breeding season.
Repairs to a century-old bridge in Hakalau valley might have to wait until October to avoid the Hawaiian hawk’s breeding season.
The one-lane bridge has been closed since February because of erosion under its foundation, leaving Hakalau Beach Park off limits.
The park could remain closed for another seven months since the area is habitat for the endangered species and off limits to such work during the breeding season, said county Public Works Director Frank De Marco.
The hawk, or ‘io, only breeds on Hawaii Island and nests from March through September, according to U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. They usually lay one egg.
De Marco said the repairs would take about two weeks.
Repairs are anticipated to cost $5 million. Federal funds would cover $4 million.
The County Council was scheduled to make a final vote on funding the repairs Wednesday. It was unclear what the vote was by deadline, though the council was expected to approve the $1 million allocation.