Faucets, Copper Pipe Stolen at Hilo Beach Park

Patrons of Onekehakeha Beach Park will have to make do without drinking fountains for a spell.

That’s because a thief or thieves have made off with an undetermined amount of copper pipe as well as seven faucets, technically known as hose bibs.

Jason Armstrong, spokesman for the county Department of Parks and Recreation, said the theft was discovered Wednesday morning when a maintenance worker turned on a faucet and water began shooting everywhere.

He said the theft apparently occurred Tuesday night or before the park was opened Wednesday morning.

The stolen materials were valued at between $1,500 and $2,000.
County plumbers were able to restore the plumbing in the bathrooms by noon Wednesday.

“We wanted to address the most sensitive issue, getting the bathrooms back up-and-running,” Armstrong said.

With a shallow swimming area protected from waves, Onekehakeha is a popular destination for families with keiki.

He couldn’t provide a timetable for the rest of the repairs involving drinking fountains and outside faucets, which will require pulling plumbers off other scheduled work.

Armstrong said no similar thefts have been reported at county facilities recently.

“It appears to be an isolated incident,” he said.