Irrigation Reduced at Kona Parks Due to Restrictions

Higashira Park. File photo courtesy of Chris K./Yelp.

Due to mandatory North Kona water restriction requirements from the Department of Water Supply, the Hawai‘i County Parks and Recreation Kona Parks Maintenance Division has curtailed the irrigation schedule from daily watering to twice a week only at the following facilities:

• William Charles Lunalilo Playground at Pualani (two fields)
• Old Airport Park (five fields)
• Honl’s/Wai’aha Bay Beach Park
• Hale Halawai
• Pāhoehoe Beach Park
• Ali’i Kai Park
• Harold H. Higashihara Park
• Kona Hillcrest Park

The irrigation schedule was changed on Jan. 12, 2017, the same day the water restriction notice was issued.

Although the restriction requires 25% reduction in use, the Kona Parks Maintenance Division water use will be cut by more than half according to the new schedule. In addition, Parks District Superintendent Dennis Riordan says, “we will monitor our grass, and, if possible, reduce even more. We will also irrigate only at night, and closely monitor the showers, sinks and toilets for leaks.”

Parks and Recreation Director Charmaine Kamaka said, “The County of Hawaii wants to lead by example, and we are working with the Department of Water Supply to take proactive steps to reduce water use as much as possible.”