Honaunau Rodeo
The rich heritage of Hawaii Island includes a very distinct paniolo (cowboy) culture, and the Honaunau Rodeo is at the heart of it. The facility where it is held is something residents of the Island have wanted improved for a long time. The rodeo arena is used by individual riders, small groups, and the Kona Roping Club and its rodeo draws over 700 people annually. In 2015, the county’s Department of Parks & Recreation launched an extremely accelerated $5.1 million project to dramatically improve the facility, not only for rodeo enthusiasts but also the South Kona region in general by providing a pavilion and amenities that can be used by the public almost daily.
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When SSFM was selected to manage this important undertaking, the scope only included improvements to the rodeo grounds such as parking, utilities and new buildings which was consistent with typical civil and structural design work. But after many meetings and hours of input from a broad range of stakeholders, it became clear a new arena was also sorely needed. Despite the aggressive schedule, SSFM took time to conduct extensive research on rodeo arena layouts and equipment, and to consult with local and mainland rodeo experts about the latest equipment and optimal arena configuration.
All of this led to a comprehensive reinvention of the Honaunau Rodeo. Existing structures were demolished to make way for new covered grandstands, comfort station, judge’s stand, and a community pavilion. Site access, onsite traffic circulation, parking, and water systems have been improved, and restrooms and concession areas have been expanded in order to properly accommodate the large number of people attending the rodeo each year.
The new rodeo arena was completed on-time. Project manager Austen Drake, who grew up on a ranch, has said “A little piece of my heart went into this.”, and it certainly shows.
Services Provided
Project Management
Civil and Structural Engineering
Client
County of Hawaii, Department of Parks & Recreation
Location
South Kona, HI
Project Type – Markets
Buildings
Honaunau Rodeo
The rich heritage of Hawaii Island includes a very distinct paniolo (cowboy) culture, and the Honaunau Rodeo is at the heart of it. The facility where it is held is something residents of the Island have wanted improved for a long time. The rodeo arena is used by individual riders, small groups, and the Kona Roping Club and its rodeo draws over 700 people annually. In 2015, the county’s Department of Parks & Recreation launched an extremely accelerated $5.1 million project to dramatically improve the facility, not only for rodeo enthusiasts but also the South Kona region in general by providing a pavilion and amenities that can be used by the public almost daily.
When SSFM was selected to manage this important undertaking, the scope only included improvements to the rodeo grounds such as parking, utilities and new buildings which was consistent with typical civil and structural design work. But after many meetings and hours of input from a broad range of stakeholders, it became clear a new arena was also sorely needed. Despite the aggressive schedule, SSFM took time to conduct extensive research on rodeo arena layouts and equipment, and to consult with local and mainland rodeo experts about the latest equipment and optimal arena configuration.
All of this led to a comprehensive reinvention of the Honaunau Rodeo. Existing structures were demolished to make way for new covered grandstands, comfort station, judge’s stand, and a community pavilion. Site access, onsite traffic circulation, parking, and water systems have been improved, and restrooms and concession areas have been expanded in order to properly accommodate the large number of people attending the rodeo each year.
The new rodeo arena was completed on-time. Project manager Austen Drake, who grew up on a ranch, has said “A little piece of my heart went into this.”, and it certainly shows.
Services Provided
Project Management
Civil and Structural Engineering
Client
County of Hawaii, Department of Parks & Recreation
Location
South Kona, HI
Project Type – Markets
Buildings
