Kīlauea Point National Wildlife Refuge closed for the final phase of lighthouse restoration

The Kīlauea Point National Wildlife Refuge will be closed for the third and final phase of the Kīlauea lighthouse restoration. The historic 1913 lighthouse is a world renowned landmark and the crown jewel of Kīlauea. The third and final phase of the restoration efforts will include repairs to the second order Fresnel lens and the inclusion of additional safety measures.

For the safety of visitors and wildlife, the refuge will be closed during the restoration efforts, from March 31through April 7, 2013. The refuge will re-open at 10:00 a.m on Monday, April 8, 2013.

The U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, along with the Kīlauea Point Natural History Association, is pleased to begin the final phase of the Kīlauea Lighthouse Restoration, which began in 2011.

“We are grateful to everyone who has been involved with the project thus far. This year’s Lighthouse Day will be a momentous event for Kaua‘i as we commemorate the 100th anniversary of the grand and historic Kīlauea Light Station," said Shannon Smith, USFWS Project Leader, Kaua‘i National Wildlife Refuge Complex. “The community has been waiting patiently and we are proud to announce the final efforts to restore the Kīlauea Lighthouse as a beacon for generations to come."

The Kīlauea Point National Wildlife Refuge will be hosting Lighthouse Day on May 4, 2013. It is one of many anniversary celebration events being held May 1-5, in collaboration with the Kīlauea Point Natural History Association and the community of Kīlauea. More details will be posted closer to event dates and can be found at www.Kilaueapoint.org or facebook.com/kilauealighthouse.

To learn more about the refuge, please visit http://www.fws.gov/Kilaueapoint