DEPARTMENT OF LAND AND NATURAL RESOURCES

News Release

LINDA LINGLE

GOVERNOR

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PETER T. YOUNG, CHAIRPERSON

Phone: (808) 587-0401

Fax: (808) 587-0390

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For Immediate Release: September 20, 2005

Old Restroom to be Demolished at
Diamond Head State Monument

HONOLULU – The Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) will demolish the old restroom at Diamond Head State Monument on September 23, 2005. The park will remain open to the public, but visitor foot traffic will be re-routed around the demolition area in the interest of public safety.

A new, larger facility recently replaced the old restroom (originally built in 1977.) The new restroom is fully accessible for the handicapped and features six women’s stalls and five men’s stalls as well as new water fountains.

The new restroom is a part of improvements recently completed at Diamond Head State Monument, that include a shelter at the visitor drop-off/pick-up area. In addition, vending machines and a lunchwagon concession allow park visitors to purchase food and refreshments.

“The new restroom at Diamond Head is a part of the department’s effort to renovate or rebuild all our State Parks restrooms,” said Peter Young, DLNR Chairperson. “Diamond Head is one of our most popular parks, and the new restroom will accommodate the increasing number of visitors there,” he said.

Funding for these improvements comes in part from the Hawaii Tourism Authority through the Transient Accommodations Tax (TAT) revenues that are appropriated to the Department to improve parks and trails.

Other improvements to Diamond Head State Monument in recent years include lighting in the upper trail tunnel and stairs, safety railings at the summit and expansion of the parking lot.

Diamond Head State Monument was named a National Natural Landmark in 1968 because it is an excellent example of a pyroclastic volcano with a typical erosional pattern that has crated the crater profile we see today. Most of the visitors to this world-renowned landmark hike the historic 0.8-mile trail to the summit for the spectacular view.

For more information about Diamond Head State Monument, or other State Parks, call (808) 587-0300, or visit the DLNR State Parks web site at www.hawaii.gov/dlnr/dsp/for_your_reviwdsp.html

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