KĪLAUEA POINT NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE RENOVATION OF THE REFUGE ENTRANCE OVERLOOK

The Kīlauea Point National Wildlife Refuge will begin work on the Refuge Entrance Gate Overlook at the end of Kīlauea Road beginning Tuesday, February 4, 2014.  A contractor will be addressing safety issues along the fenceline and there will be no access to the overlook during the renovation period.

Work to the Overlook will include replacing the fence to comply with current safety standards.   The project is expected to take a week to complete.

“While we realize there will be an impact to both locals and visitors alike, we are concerned with public safety, and maintenance is a critical part of managing our public areas” said Shannon Smith, Project Leader of the Kaua‘i National Wildlife Refuge Complex.  “We greatly appreciate the patience and support the community has shown with the restoration of the Lighthouse and the recent announcement to close the Refuge on Sundays and Mondays due to staffing and budget shortages.  It is our hope that these changes and improvements will benefit the public for years to come.  We encourage folks to visit us during the new operating hours of Tuesday – Saturday, 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.”

The Refuge was established to preserve and enhance seabird nesting colonies and is home to some of the largest populations of nesting seabirds in the main Hawaiian Islands. Visitors also have a chance to view spinner dolphins, Hawaiian monk seals, native Hawaiian coastal plants and Hawaii’s state bird – the endangered nēnē or Hawaiian goose.  The Refuge is also home to the historic Daniel K. Inouye Kīlauea Point Lighthouse which sits on the northernmost point of Kaua‘i allowing visitors to view a piece of history as well as the many birds congregating around the cliffs.

To learn more about the Refuge, please visit www.fws.gov/Kilaueapoint.

The mission of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is working with others to conserve, protect, and enhance fish, wildlife, plants, and their habitats for the continuing benefit of the American people. We are both a leader and trusted partner in fish and wildlife conservation, known for our scientific excellence, stewardship of lands and natural resources, dedicated professionals, and commitment to public service. For more information on our work and the people who make it happen, visit www.fws.gov. Connect with our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/usfws, follow our tweets at www.twitter.com/usfwshq, watch our YouTube Channel at http://www.youtube.com/usfws and download photos from our Flickr page at http://www.flickr.com/photos/usfwshq.