Pahoa Pool Reopens After $1.5M Makeover

The Pahoa Community Aquatic Center was reopened Monday after a $1.5 million renovation project kept the popular pool closed since January.

Anxious swimmers waited to jump in at 9 a.m. while Pastor Alan Tamashiro blessed the county Department of Parks and Recreation facility.

The water should be warmer in the 15-year-old pool than it was six months ago. Roof-mounted solar heating panels to warm the pool water have been installed in response to oft-repeated complaints about the pool being too cold.

Also, new circulation pumps and a variable-frequency drive motor will reduce energy use and start-up time. In the past it could take up to a day for the pool to reopen following an electrical outage.

Isemoto Contracting Co. Ltd. enlarged the equipment building to accommodate the new pumps, and repaired leaks to the pool basin, surge gutter and drain lines, said a release from Mayor Billy Kenoi’s office.

County employees made repairs to the roof and refinished the keiki pool’s play fountain and tiling.

Mayor Kenoi and Puna Councilman Zendo Kern attended the opening ceremony, where Kenoi thanked the public for having patience during the renovation period.

More than 16,000 people a month visit the pool during the peak summer season, according to the Department of Parks and Recreation.

New operating hours start Tuesday, Aug. 27: Open weekends 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. (closed for lunch 1-2 p.m.); weekday hours are 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

For pool information, call Cassandra at 965-2700.