Hawaiʻi County officials announced the closure of multiple parks around Hawaiʻi Island as the Kona Low weather system continues to impact communities islandwide.

The closures, which were prompted by lightning, fallen branches and tree limbs, or other safety hazards associated with the current weather conditions, include Konawaena Swimming Pool, Kona Community Aquatic Center, Honokaʻa Swimming Complex, Kawamoto Swim Stadium, Pāhoa Pool, Kamehameha Park, Hisaoka Gym, Waimea District Park, and the Hilo Municipal Golf Course.

“We’re taking precautions to ensure the public’s safety through what’s predicted to be a pretty thick storm,” said Mayor Mitch Roth in a press release. “As we continue to prepare our facilities and systems for the brunt of the weather they’re seeing on Oʻahu and Maui, we’re asking our residents to make sure that they prepare their households as well. A safe community is a prepared community.”

Additional closures of County facilities may be necessary as the storm continues to move through the island. Closures may be quick and come with little warning. County officials will continue to update the public as weather systems impact our parks, roadways, and other county systems.

For up-to-date information about the storm, residents can visit the Hawaiʻi County Hazard Map on the Civil Defense website: https://tinyurl.com/ykyvw3bb