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.