The Baldwin Beach Park pavilion is falling into the ocean. The county has removed about a third of the building, a popular beach gathering place for family birthday parties and other events. The Maui News / DAKOTA GROSSMAN photos
The 80-year-old pavilion at Baldwin Beach Park in Paia that hosted birthday parties and baby showers for generations is eroding into the ocean, forcing the removal of about a third of the iconic structure.
The county Department of Parks and Recreation last week announced the closure of the park through Thursday for the removal of part of the pavilion due to erosion damage.
County spokesman Brian Perry said Tuesday that about a third of the pavilion and lanai is being removed.
“The peak summer erosion at Baldwin Beach has caused portions of the park pavilion to collapse,” he said.
The cost of the project is $54,295, he said.
Summer erosion along the shoreline at Baldwin Beach Park claimed a bathroom and shower structure and now is wearing away the pavilion. These photos were taken Monday.
County property tax records indicate that the pavilion originally was built in 1940. There used to be showers and a bathroom makai of the pavilion but they have been consumed by the ocean.
As far as replacing the pavilion, Perry said that the parks department currently is working on the Baldwin Beach Park Master Plan, which will include the addition of new pavilions.
The master plan includes two large pavilions on the east and west ends of the park, which also incorporates 30 acres the county received as part of the transaction with Alexander & Baldwin for the new county service center in the Maui Business Park.
The 650 square foot west pavilion would be located inland in the soccer field area and behind the shoreline setback to protect it from sea-level rise, fluctuations in beach sand and flood risk, the plan says.
“The idea for a large pavilion, for example, is based on something that local families often do — hold parties and celebrations at the beach,” the plan says.
The 600 square foot east pavilion with portable restrooms would be located in the newly purchased land nearer to Paia town.
Small pavilions are scattered throughout the park and include picnic tables and barbecue grills. Vehicular drop-offs are located just outside of the shoreline setback to provide closer access for beach activities, the plan says.
Information on the Baldwin Beach Park Master Plan can be found at https://www.mauicounty.gov/2347/Baldwin-Beach-Park-Master-Plan.
* Lee Imada can be reached at leeimada@mauinews.com.
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