(BIVN) – There will be a short schedule change at Kona’s popular Kua Bay park as the location transitions to becoming a guarded beach.

The Hawaiʻi Department of Land and Natural Resources says preparations have begun for lifeguards to be stationed at the Manini‘ōwali Beach section of Kekaha Kai State Park, where Kua Bay is located. “As a result the park will be opening later than usual on three days next week at 12:00 p.m. on Tuesday June 25, Wednesday June 26 and Friday June 28, 2019,” a DLNR media release says.

CORRECTION: State House Bill 116 SD1 CD1 provided the long-requested funding for lifeguards to be stationed at Kua Bay.

“We thank the people for their understanding and patience, in allowing us to prepare the location for added safety to our swimmers and beach goers who visit Kua Bay”, said Dean Takebayashi, DLNR Hawaii Island State Parks Superintendent.