Hanauma Bay reopened after water leak

The beach area of Hanauma Bay reopened to the public Thursday after staff members found the source of a water leak and began repairs.

Public access to the beach at the nature preserve was closed earlier in the day after the discovery of a large leak in a potable water pipe at about 7:30 a.m.

All potable water was shut off, including to the restrooms, at the beach level of the bay while the leak was investigated, according to the Department of Parks and Recreation.

NEIGHBOR ISLANDS

Construction worker is killed

A 61-year-old man apparently hit by an excavator in a construction accident died early Thursday morning at the Azeka Mauka Shopping Center in Kihei.

Maui police said the accident happened at 1:31 a.m. while the man was working on a job site in the parking lot. Police identified the victim as Paul Thomas Williams of Kahului.

Co-workers found Williams lying on the ground unconscious. Cardiopulmonary resuscitation was performed on Williams, but he could not be revived and was pronounced dead at the scene.

An autopsy is scheduled.

Haleakala park to waive fees

The National Park Service will waive the entrance fee to the Haleakala National Park on Saturday — National Public Lands Day.

Normally the fees range from $5 to $10 for three days, depending on mode of transportation, except for kids 15 and under, who get in free.

This fee-free day is one of nine offered in 2014 by the National Park Service.

Electrical woes shutter building

Kauai County closed the Kapule Building at the Lihue Civic Center on Thursday afternoon due to electrical problems.

Closed were county offices including planning department, driver’s license, real property assessment and tax collection, and motor vehicle registration. 

A skeleton crew of planning personnel set up in the Mo’ikeha Building to handle services.

The agencies are expected to be open Friday.