Media release from Hawaii County Parks and Recreation

Motorists will not be allowed to drive from Kamehameha Avenue directly into Hilo Bayfront Beach Park between dawn and 6 p.m. Saturday, July 19, to accommodate the Aunty Maile Moku ‘O Hawai‘i Outrigger Canoe Racing Association’s Championship Regatta.

To provide for the safety of event participants and spectators while the regatta is occurring, the County of Hawai‘i will temporally barricade the makai end of the driveway connecting the paved and grassed canoe-parking areas to the old Bayfront Highway. However, motorists may still access those parking areas via Kamehameha Avenue.

At approximately 6 p.m. Saturday, the security gate will be reopened and vehicular access to the park will return to normal.

During the temporary closure, it’s advised that motorists seeking access to Bayfront Highway or Hawai‘i Belt Road use either Pauahi Street or Waiānuenue Avenue. The County of Hawai‘i also asks motorists who drive through the park not to exceed the posted 15 mph speed limit imposed for the safety of park patrons.

The Department of Parks and Recreation apologizes for any inconvenience the temporary closure may cause and thanks motorists for their patience and understanding.

For more information, please contact Jason Armstrong, Public Information Officer, at 961-8311 or jarmstrong@co.hawaii.hi.us.Hawaii County Parks and Recreation