One of the most recognized features of Liliuokalani Gardens in Hilo — the vermillion wooden bridge and pavilion — is undergoing a complete rebuild due to deterioration mainly caused by extensive termite damage.

What You Need To Know

  • The county said the stone base of the bridge is not being removed

  • Department of Parks and Recreation and the nonprofit Friends of Liliʻuokalani Gardens that supports the garden is leading the rebuild

  • The rebuilt structure will be the same vermillion, or “shu iro” in Japanese, a color of special significance in Japanese culture

Following a blessing ceremony held last week, the bridge structure was removed to make way for a newly built one of the same design that will be rebuilt in its place. The county said the stone base of the bridge is not being removed.

The Department of Parks and Recreation and the nonprofit Friends of Liliʻuokalani Gardens that supports the garden is leading the rebuild. DPR carpenters will reconstruct the bridge pavilion.

“Every garden, especially those of a certain age, needs fostering that goes beyond just maintenance,” said K.T. Cannon-Eger, president of the Friends of Liliuokalani Gardens, in a news release. “To foster Liliuokalani Gardens, to carry it forward to the future while maintaining the feeling of the last 108 years, means every now and then something needs to be replaced. This bridge will be rebuilt close to the original design and will continue to be a special place for many years to come.”

The current bridge is not the original. The original, and its successor, were destroyed by tsunami in 1946 and 1960. The current bridge is the one that was built following the 1960 tsunami.

According to the county, the wooden bridge has been painted in different colors — green, brown, tan, red, and vermillion, a red-orange color that was recommended by a garden designer from Kyoto. The rebuilt structure will be the same vermillion, or “shu iro” in Japanese, a color of special significance in Japanese culture.

“This bridge is an important feature of Liliuokalani Gardens, and we know there are a lot of memories attached to it,” said Mayor Mitch Roth. “By rebuilding, we can ensure the longevity and integrity of this unique structure and its continued connection to the community.”

The 25-acre Liliuokalani Gardens was established in 1917 by the legislature of the Territory of Hawaii and dedicated to the memory of Queen Lili‘uokalani. Much of the park is designed to reflect a Japanese-style garden.

Sarah Yamanaka covers news and events for Spectrum News Hawaii. She can be reached at sarah.yamanaka@charter.com.