Yesterday, the Hawaiʻi County Department of Parks and Recreation, in coordination with the HPD, the Office of Housing and Community Development, and various nongovernment service providers, conducted a park rules enforcement effort at the Kona Community Aquatic Center.

The operation aimed to address safety concerns and guarantee compliance with Parks’ rules within the facility’s grounds, ensuring park safety and functionality for residents and visitors.

During the enforcement effort, 17 individuals were impacted with 13 receiving vital services, including housing, airfare, and relocation services. The other four refused assistance.

To ensure the proper handling of all personal property, the County arranged for a secure storage facility. In doing so, 21 bags of personal belongings from 3 individuals were carefully stored and inventoried, allowing for easy retrieval within a 30-day period. In addition, two truckloads of miscellaneous trash were recovered and disposed of.

Outreach specialists from service provider organizations had been actively engaging with individuals in the area prior to the enforcement effort to provide support and appropriate resources.

Mayor Roth’s current focus is on restoring the intended purpose of the park and creating a safe and enjoyable environment for all residents and visitors.

In a press release Mayor Roth said, “Today’s park rules enforcement effort at the Kona Community Aquatic Center reflects our unwavering commitment to safety, compassion, and the well-being of our community. We are not embarking on malicious sweeps; we are upholding the law while providing vital services and resources to enhance the quality of life for those affected by it. By working together with dignity and aloha, we are building a future where our public spaces are safe, clean, and inclusive for everyone.”