The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has announced additional funds for the continued renovations to the Kilauea Lighthouse. This is great news for residents and visitors alike who will see the historic structure as it was designed in 1913. The monies made available will be directed at much needed repairs.
Repairs Continue at the Kilauea Lighthouse
The contract was awarded to McMillen LLC a family owned business who will sub contract out some of the work to local contractors. This work will continue the progress that was begun with the first phase of the restoration that also identified areas that need to be addressed to the now 99 year old structure.
The Kilauea Lighthouse is one of the most visited landmarks on the island of Kauai, with an average of 500,000 visitors annually that come to see the northernmost lighthouse in the Hawaiian islands and the abundance of migratory birds that call Kilauea their winter refuge.
This next project phase will address the cast iron roof and lantern assembly which will protect the fragile lens. Also on the list is the concrete tower which will require patching both on the interior and exterior. The harsh environmental conditions have taken a toll on this important historical treasure and the repairs when complete for next years centennial will take it well into the future.
A Kilauea Lighthouse Resident Unaffected by the On Going Restoration
We would be remiss if we failed to mention the important work that the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Services undertake at the Kilauea Lighthouse Point Refuge in the study protection of the unique migratory birds that call Kilauea home in the winter season.
This Laysan Albatross chick was nesting only inches from the path leading to the Lighthouse, calmly waiting for its parent to return undisturbed by the recent construction.
About Joe Sylvester