The public is invited to join Hawaii County officials in honoring the community volunteers, private businesses and government agencies that restored the historic Kalakaua Park War Memorial Pond in downtown Hilo. The public is invited to join Hawaii County officials
The public is invited to join Hawaii County officials in honoring the community volunteers, private businesses and government agencies that restored the historic Kalakaua Park War Memorial Pond in downtown Hilo.
A dedication ceremony will be held at 11:30 a.m. on Wednesday, June 6. Refreshments will be provided, and attendees are encouraged to enjoy a picnic in their refurbished park.
“We’re delighted to announce completion of this important public-private partnership that successfully restored Kalakaua Park’s unique koi pond at minimal taxpayer cost,” said Bob Fitzgerald, director of the county Department of Parks and Recreation.
“The pond, which had not undergone a thorough draining and cleaning since 1989, is now beautiful due to the hard work of numerous people. Please join me in publicly thanking them,” said Fitzgerald.
With a capacity of more than 50,000 gallons, the koi pond was dedicated in 1948 as a permanent memorial to the 157 Hawaii Island residents who gave their lives during World War II. Later, plaques were added to honor military personnel who perished during the Korean and Vietnam wars.
The Big Island Water Garden Club, B&B Pumping Service and GW Construction provided assistance with the restoration effort. Additional help came from the University of Hawaii at Hilo Pacific Aquaculture and Coastal Resources Center, which cared for the fish during the project’s cleaning phase, along with U.S. Army firefighters, the county Department of Public Works and the Parks Department Maintenance Division.
