A huge community turnout is helping rebuild Kauai's historic salt beds after hurricane damage, a hopeful step for a park that is still closed.

• 1,400 volunteers cleared debris, moved sand, and rebuilt the protective dunes around the salt-making area.
• Salt Pond Beach Park has stayed shut for a month since Hurricane Lowell hit Hawaii.
• The dunes matter because they shield the traditional salt beds from the ocean.
• The scale of the turnout shows how much the salt-making tradition means to the local community.

Outlook: Repairs will continue before the park can reopen, with the restored dunes key to protecting the salt beds through the next storm season.