MEDIA RELEASE

Mayor Billy Kenoi and the county Department of Parks and Recreation welcome the public back to a thoroughly renovated and improved Waiakea Recreation Center.

A public blessing and rededication ceremony is set for 5:30-7 p.m. Friday, April 26, at the Hilo facility. Refreshments will be served, and several martial arts and other groups that use the Waiakea Recreation Center will perform free athletic demonstrations.

Located at 1634 Kamehameha Avenue, the Waiakea Recreation Center has undergone a five month, $1.7 million makeover that has made it more comfortable, accessible and safer.

New roof insulation, ceiling fans and lighting have been installed in the main gym area. Extensive termite and water damage have been repaired, new roofing systems installed, hazardous building materials removed, existing bathrooms and showers renovated, the entire facility repainted, and various other improvements performed to meet federal accessibility standards.

General contractor Stan’s Contracting Inc. also installed an underground drainage system in the parking lot, graded and repaved the parking area and three driveway entrances, and connected the facility to the county’s wastewater treatment system.

Many others helped to make an improved Waiakea Recreation Center and save taxpayer money.

Several martial arts organizations volunteered time to complete various finishing touches in preparation for this weekend’s reopening, while personnel from the Department of Parks and Recreation’s Maintenance Division performed numerous repair tasks that complemented the contractor’s efforts.

The Department of Parks and Recreation wishes to thank the Shudokan Judo Club for improving the judo mat area, the Hilo Seishikan Aikido Club for repainting the kitchen, the Hilo Shin Shin Toitsu Aikido Club for beautifying the planter boxes, and the Kongo Zen Shorinji Ryu Son Ryu Karate Club for repainting the wooden floor of the martial arts practice area.

The department also wishes to recognize the following organizations for their monetary contributions and/or volunteer efforts toward improving the facility: Hilo Reshinkan Kendo Club; Hilo Tae Kwon Do Association; Waiākea Judo Club; Hawaii International Karate League; Hilo Kobukan Kendo Club; Hayaite Shotokan Karate; Atkins Martial Arts; Mo Min Kuen; Danish Fitness; Morning Fitness; Evening Fitness; and Insane Workout.