HomeMy WebLinkAbout2019-11-14 County Pool Lifts Vandalized
Roxcie L. Waltjen
Harry Kim
Director
Mayor
Maurice C. Messina
Wil Okabe
Deputy Director
Managing Director
DEPARTMENT OF PARKS AND RECREATION
101 Pauahi Street, Suite 6 Hilo, Hawai‘i 96720
(808) 961-8311 Fax (808) 961-8411
Email: parks_recreation@hawaiicounty.gov
http://www.hawaiicounty.gov/parks-and-recreation/
November 14, 2019
NEWS RELEASE
Handicapped Pool Chair Lifts Vandalized
The Hawai‘i County Department of Parks and Recreation is informing the public that the
Handicapped Pool Chair Lifts at Kawamoto Swim Stadium and NAS Swimming Pool
(both located in Hilo) are out of service until further notice.
The pool lift at Kawamoto Swim Stadium was recently vandalized by someone entering
the pool facility afterhours. The vandals cut the wires and removed the motor from the
lift. The department will order the required parts and repair the lift.
The pool lift at NAS Swimming pool was recently vandalized by someone coming into
the pool afterhours and pushing the lift into the pool. This lift is considered a total loss
due to water damage and must be replaced. We are unsure of when this lift can be
replaced as the replacement cost is approximately $8,000.
The Handicapped Pool Chair Lifts are used at our pools to help people, who would
otherwise have difficulty, enter and exit the pool safely; generally, people with mobility
issues. For example, someone who uses a wheelchair. These wanton acts of
vandalism mean that patrons with mobility issues will be unable to enter and exit the
pools with ease until the lifts are back in operation.
To report information about these incidents, please contact the Police non-emergency
number at 935-3311.
If property damage or vandalism is found at any of your parks and beaches, please
inform Parks and Recreation as soon as possible at (808) 961-8311.
County of Hawai‘i is an Equal Opportunity Provider and Employer.