Hawaii County Mayor Kim has closed all beaches and parks on the island (with a few exceptions) from now through Friday, September 18. Kim said this is to help stop the spread of COVID-19, as there have been many gatherings, including memorials, that brought together crowds of people.
This comes at a time when the island has now had 5 people die from COVID-19, there are 435 total cases and at least 226 active cases. Cases have more than tripled between August 1 and now. On August 1 there were 115 total cases and zero active cases.
Parks that will remain open:
–Gilbert Kahele Recreation Area, on Saddle Road/Daniel K. Inouye Highway near Pohakuloa Training Area
–Lili’uokalani Gardens in Hilo
–the areas mauka of the runway at Old Airport Park in Kailua Kona.
The State has followed suit, at Mayor Kim’s request, and is closing all Big Island coastal and beach park areas through September 18.
State parks that are closed:
- Lapakahi State Historical Park
- Hapuna Beach State Recreation Area
- Kekaha Kai State Park
- Kiholo State Park Reserve
- Kealakekua Bay State Historical Park (Land areas closed, bay waters open for boating and ocean recreation under COVID restrictions)
- MacKenzie State Recreation Area
Kim’s order provides that beach parks and coastal parks may be used for direct access to and from the ocean in order to engage in exercise, fishing and gathering food. Park restrooms and showers will be open during the hours of 7:00 a.m. through 7:00 p.m. daily.
The Mayor’s latest Emergency Rule is here:
2020-09-01-Amendment-to-Mayors-COVID-19-Emergency-Rule-No.-11-certified-and-signed