The Hawaiʻi County Department of Parks and Recreation announced the cancellation of this year’s Richardson Rough Water Swim event due to ongoing construction at Richardson Ocean Park.

The annual event, which involves over a hundred participants, takes place at Richardson Ocean Park in Hilo is held in late July or early August.

Due to active construction that began on June 6, the Richardson Ocean Center and onsite parking lot are closed, and access to the park and its shoreline are limited due to construction work area barricades.

Beginning as early as July 5, the active construction area will be expanded, further limiting access to the beach area. During this time public restrooms will be closed for renovation but portable restrooms will be provided for public use.  Showers will continue to be provided throughout this time.  The construction, which is required for the County’s compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act,  is slated to be completed by February 2023.

For more information, please contact the Recreation Division office at (808) 961-8740.