Hawaii County Mayor Kim has closed all beaches and parks on the island (with a few exceptions). The closure began Friday, Sept. 4, and goes through Friday, September 18. Kim said this is to help stop the spread of COVID-19, as there have been many gatherings–planned or not, parties, and memorials that have brought together crowds of people–with many at beaches or parks.
The Puna Trail and Hā’ena Beach (Shipman’s Beach) in the Puna District are also closed.
Four weeks, 28 days ago, on Aug. 9, 2020, two COVID-19 incubation periods ago, the island’s total case count was 131. Today it has more than tripled, at 493. The active case count on Aug. 9 was 15 active. Yesterday at noon it was 265–a 17-fold increase.
There have been 5 deaths from COVID-19 on the island, all residents of the Yukio Okutsu Veterans Home. Saturday afternoon there were 13 COVID-19 patients at Hilo Medical Center and 1 at Kona Community Hospital, with zero at North Hawaii Community Hospital.
There are a few parks that remain fully or partially 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 has closed 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