Visitors accidentally crash vehicle through fence at Hilo ballfield during football practice

No injuries were reported after a couple visiting from the mainland accidentally drove their Jeep through the fence at Kuawa Ballfield in Hilo, startling bystanders and causing property damage.

This is the second incident within a year involving a vehicle breaching the same section of fencing at Kuawa Ballfield, located off Kuawa Street.

The crash occurred at 4:30 p.m. on Tuesday. According to Hawai‘i County officials, the vehicle drove through the makai side fence during a youth football practice. First responders arrived on the scene within minutes, 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.

“Our parks are cherished spaces for our keiki and families, and the safety of those who use them is our top priority,” said Roth. “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.”

Roth encourages all residents and visitors to remain vigilant and cautious when driving near parks and recreational areas, where children and pedestrians are often present.