(BIVN) – Puna swimmers rejoiced Wednesday as the Pāhoa Community Aquatic Center, closed since the eruption of Kīlauea Volcano, reopened following extensive repairs.

A short blessing ceremony – attended by Mayor Harry Kim, Parks & Recreation officials, and an eager public – was held just before the pool welcomed its first patrons since May 2018.

Royal Pools of Hawaii, tasked with fixing the pool, finished the project on time and on budget. Work included the removal of “Pele’s hair”, the fine threads of volcanic glass that form during lava fountains, and the repair of cracks in the main pool’s basin and deck area.