Parks officials say they are about ready to reopen the Panaewa play court after giving a new synthetic surface there a final inspection.
Deputy Parks Director James Komata said the 26,000-square-foot facility, closed since January, should be ready for use sometime next week. An exact date had not been selected.
The green synthetic surface is the first of its kind in Hawaii County, and was installed after basketball and volleyball players complained of cuts and bruises from waffle-pattern plastic tiles installed in 2012 when the $3 million covered play court opened.
Hilo Councilman Dennis “Fresh” Onishi, whose district includes Panaewa, said he saw that firsthand while coaching a youth basketball team there.
The interlocking tiles were more trouble than they were worth, he said, adding he had recommended the county use a different surface like that installed at the Wainaku Gym.
While viewing the new $491,070 play surface Thursday, Onishi said he would have to “see how it goes” before giving a verdict.
But he said he had concerns about its durability after county officials paved the area in front of the play court to keep gravel from being tracked in and damaging the floor.
“If it was done correctly the first time, it would be better, I think,” Onishi said.
Komata said paving the area was recommended by a representative of the manufacturer.
“All floors are susceptible to damage, some more than others,” he said.
Curtis Davis, project foreman for contractor Applied Surface Technologies, said this style of flooring, which is slightly cushy, should reduce injuries by 85 percent. In regard to concerns about gravel, he said the risk of damage is about the same as any other surface.
Regarding its lifespan, Davis said the surface will last about five to 10 years, depending on use, before needing a new coat.
Onishi, who previously worked for the Department of Parks and Recreation, said the county probably would have to contract out that work since parks staff don’t have experience with the product.
Komata said this type of surface was selected because the county needed something that could weather the elements.
While covered, the play court has an open-air design, which allows rain to be blown in.
The facility was expected to reopen March 11, but high humidity prevented the surface from being completed on time, he said.
“It needs ideal conditions,” Komata said of the product.
He said last month that the plastic tiles that were removed were relocated to the Panaewa Rainforest Zoo and Gardens, where they are being used in a plant nursery.
Email Tom Callis at tcallis@hawaiitribune-herald.com.
