Volcanoes National Park to build new $6M center

KAILUA-KONA, Hawaii (AP) — Hawaii Volcanoes National Park officials say a $7.8 million federal stimulus grant will go toward building a new visitor emergency operations center there.

The new center will replace the current 1,200-square-foot station, where park rangers and eruption crew members are based.

Officials say the $6 million project will more than triple the size of the center, which is the first stop for visitors registering for back country hikes or seeking emergency medical help. The facility also will house the Pacific Area Communications Center, which serves as the communications base for all of Hawaii's national parks.

Officials say the remaining stimulus money will go toward road and trail improvements.

The new center is slated for opening next fall.