Mayor Mitch Roth is urging residents and visitors to exercise caution on roadways, especially those near public facilities where families and keiki frequently gather.

This call for caution follows yesterday’s incident at Kuawa Ballfield where a vehicle drove through the makai side fence during a youth football practice.

A couple visiting from the mainland accidentally drove their Jeep through the fence, startling bystanders and causing property damage. No significant injuries were reported.

First responders arrived on the scene alongside Mayor Mitch Roth and Parks and Recreation Director Maurice Messina to assess the damage and assist the visitors with the necessary steps, including contacting the Visitor Aloha Society of Hawaiʻi (VASH) for additional support.

This is the second incident within a year involving a vehicle breaching the same section of fencing at Kuawa Ballfield. In light of this repeat occurrence, Mayor Roth will contact the Hawaiʻi State Department of Transportation to discuss preventative measures aimed at improving safety for park users.

In a statement Mayor Roth said, “Our parks are cherished spaces for our keiki and families, and the safety of those who use them is our top priority. We’re grateful that no one was hurt today, but we recognize the need to take proactive steps to ensure incidents like this don’t happen again. We’ll be working closely with the State and our Parks and Recreation team to explore measures that can be put in place to protect our community.”

 

Photo credit: Office of Mayor Mitch Roth