MEDIA RELEASE

The Hawai‘i County Department of Parks and Recreation has temporarily closed Puna’s ‘Āhalanui Park, effective immediately, and expects to keep the park closed through Thursday, December 15, to allow maintenance workers sufficient time to remove overhanging coconuts.

Heavy equipment needed for the pruning work could pose safety hazards to patrons if ‘Āhalanui Park were kept open. Closure signs will be posted at the park.

The popular park, also known as “hot ponds” for its naturally heated brackish pond, is closed one day each month so large-scale maintenance projects may be performed without impacting patrons. Wednesday, December 14, is the regularly scheduled maintenance day for December. It’s expected that the work will require two days to complete, resulting in the park reopening on Friday, December 16.

The Department of Parks and Recreation apologizes for an inconveniences that an extended closure of ‘Āhalanui Park might cause and thanks park patrons for their understanding while it works to maintain a safe, clean and inviting park.

A link listing the 2017 closure schedule for ‘Āhalanui Park and other parks can be found on the Department’s website at http://www.hawaiicounty.gov/parks-and-recreation/. An update announcing when ‘Āhalanui Park will reopen will be posted there or may be obtained by contacting Jason Armstrong, Public Information Officer, at 961-8311 or Jason.Armstrong@hawaiicounty.gov