HILO — Hawaii County is hiring a consultant to draft a master plan for a park in Hawaiian Paradise Park.
James Komata, county park planner, said the Parks and Recreation Department is finalizing a contract with SSFM International for $300,000.
The park would be located on a 20-acre parcel at the intersection of 26th Avenue and Kaloli Drive. HPP donated the property to the county in March 2016.
That deal requires the county to have the master plan completed in two years, making the deadline March 2018.
Komata said the intent is to have the plan done by then.
Puna Councilwoman Eileen O’Hara is introducing a resolution to extend that by a year, just in case.
The council’s Finance Committee will take up the resolution Wednesday.
The measure says the HPP Owners Association is an agreement with an extension.
O’Hara said the park is desperately needed for the large subdivision.
There are 8,800 lots, she said, with more than half of those developed.
“We’re heading to two-thirds build out,” O’Hara said. “That’s a lot of people.”
She said she expects the park to be developed in phases, possibly first with a parking lot and walking path.
O’Hara said an engineering report would give the county an idea of how much the project would cost.
“From there, it depends on the results of the master plan,” she said.
O’Hara said there will be at least two community meetings regarding the planning process.
The neighborhood association completed its own 24-page report with recommendations for the park.
Features proposed for the first phase included a covered pavilion, restrooms, paths, a playground and dog park.
The association’s report suggested development of covered play courts and ball fields in additional phases.
Email Tom Callis at tcallis@hawaiitribune-herald.com.
