A new display in Hanapēpē Community Park memorializes the history of the former Hanapēpē River Bridge on Kaumuali‘i Highway on Kaua‘i.

The Federal Highway Administration and the Hawai‘i Department of Transportation moved forward with a bridge replacement project starting in 2016 after finding that the original timber piles had deteriorated due to marine borer infestation and decay. The reduced structural integrity compromised the bridge’s safety and the location of the piles made a targeted repair unfeasible, leading to the decision for a full replacement.

Historic Hawai‘i Foundation participated in the review of the project’s effects on the historic bridge and signed a Memorandum of Agreement as a concurring party to the resolution of effects. Hanapēpē River Bridge was built in 1938 as part of the Kaua‘i Belt Road system as part of the work of master engineer William R. Bartels, who was Chief Highway Bridge Engineer for the Hawai‘i Territorial Highway Department. The railing and end monuments were designed to reflect the unique heritage of Hanapēpē. HDOT had previously declared the bridge to be of “high preservation value” and eligible for listing in the National Register of Historic Places.

The MOA included a stipulation that FHWA and HDOT would salvage a portion of the original bridge to be incorporated into a historic display, along with signage about the history of the bridge and flood control measures, the development of Hanapēpē town, and the overall history of the community and surrounding area. After consultation with community members, the agencies decided that the community park would be the most accessible location for the displays. The display includes three interpretive signs as well as a portion of the concrete railing and end monuments.

Images, top and directly above: Historic display in Hanapēpē Community Park showcases the history of the area and remnants of the 1938 Hanapēpē River Bridge. Photos by Trinette Kaui.

View the display panels below.

Editor’s note: This article appeared in the April 2023 edition of Historic Hawai‘i News.