KOKE'E, Kaua'i — Work has begun on a variety of improvements to make Koke'e State Park more accessible to people with disabilities.

The park will remain open during the construction, except for the camping area, which will be closed when work is being done on the restrooms there, said the Department of Land and Natural Resources.

Primatech Construction Inc. was awarded a $675,000 contract for the entire project, which is expected to be completed by the end of the year.

The Kalalau Lookout will get disabled-accessible parking and pathways to the restrooms and lookout, and a picnic table. At Pu'u O Kila Lookout, handrails will be installed along the path from the parking area.

The park headquarters will get a more accessible registration counter, while the Koke'e Lodge and Museum will get parking and pathways to an accessible picnic table and pay telephone, restroom improvements, and minor improvements on existing ramps.

At the picnic pavilion, parking, pathways, a picnic table and a barbecue area sink will be built and restrooms will be improved. Similar work will be done at the camping site and CCC Camp.

Kukui Cabin No. 8 will get a ramp and handrails, and kitchen and bathroom improvements, along with installation of disabled-accessible doors and turning areas.

Koke'e State Park is 15 miles north of Kekaha. It adjoins Waimea Canyon State Park. For more information, call the Kaua'i state parks office at (808) 274-3444 or the O'ahu state parks office at 587-0300.