HomeMy WebLinkAbout2020-05-19 County of Hawaii Gets Governor's Approval to Reopen Beach and Shoreline Parks -- press release
Roy Takemoto
Managing Director
Harry Kim
Mayor
Barbara J. Kossow
Deputy Managing Director
County of Hawai‘i
Office of the Mayor
25 Aupuni Street, Suite 2603 Hilo, Hawai‘i 96720 (808) 961-8211 Fax (808) 961-6553
KONA: 74-5044 Ane Keohokālole Hwy., Bldg C Kailua-Kona, Hawai‘i 96740
(808) 323-4444 Fax (808) 323-4440
May 19, 2020
NEWS RELEASE
Hawai‘i County to Reopen its Beach and Shoreline Parks Islandwide
The County of Hawai‘i on Tuesday received Governor David Ige’s approval to reopen its
beach parks islandwide, under an Amendment to Mayor Harry Kim’s COVID-19
Emergency Rule 4, originally entitled Rule 5.
The reopening of the beach parks comes as the number of active cases of COVID-19
remains low thanks to the efforts of the entire community to stem the spread of the
virus.
“Section II. 7.d of Mayor’s Covid-19 Emergency Rule No. 4 is hereby rescinded and
replaced as follows:
d. All County of Hawai‘i beach and shoreline parks, except Hakalau Beach Park
and Kūhiō Kalaniana‘ole Park, are opened from 7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., subject to the
following restrictions that seek to prevent the spread of COVID-19:
1. No group shall exceed ten (10) persons;
2. All persons using opened beach and shoreline parks who are not
members of the same household or living unit shall comply with State and
County social distancing requirements, provided that a caregiver may
accompany a dependent;
3. All permits and reservations for use associated with these beach parks are
canceled until further notice;
4. All pavilions, playgrounds, sport courts and fields, indoor facilities and
similar areas where gatherings may occur in these parks shall remain
closed until further notice;
5. Commercial activities are not allowed; and
6. All other State or County restrictions related to COVID-19 must be
followed, including but not limited to, applicable quarantine restrictions.
“This rule shall take effect immediately and shall continue through June 30, 2020, or
until extended, rescinded, superseded, or amended by my subsequent order, or as
otherwise provided by law.”
County of Hawai‘i is an Equal Opportunity Provider and Employer.
May 19, 2020
Page 2
The Mayor is working with the Department of Parks and Recreation to determine the
next phase of County facilities to reopen, such as tennis courts, pickleball courts, etc.
Although the County beach parks will reopen, the threat of COVID-19 is still present and
we must do all we can to remain safe. The Mayor said that all beachgoers must follow
the safe practices stated in the CDC guidelines and Hawai‘i County Rules.
“Know the importance of staying mentally, physically and social healthy with these
rules,” Mayor Kim said. “Please keep up your good work as we continue to reopen in a
safe way.”
For further information, please call Civil Defense at 935-0031.
County of Hawai`i is an Equal Opportunity Provider and Employer.