Hawaii County park administrators say they are keeping the Glenwood Park restrooms closed at least until next week following the theft of a catchment cover because they are concerned about the water being contaminated.
The reason for the concern is based on past experience. Roxcie Waltjen, county Parks and Recreation director, said the cover was stolen once before and, at that time, staff found feces floating in the tank.
While no evidence of excrement has been confirmed yet, officials said they are using an “abundance of caution” following the past incident, which occurred in mid-2017.
“We don’t know yet if it was repeated,” Waltjen said. “We’re hopeful that nothing was put in there and they only took the cover.”
The most recent theft occurred about a week ago and a replacement cover for the 4,000-gallon tank has been installed.
The small park is on the side of Highway 11.
Maurice Messina, deputy parks director, said the tank is being “shocked” with chlorine and the water will be replaced.
The last time this occurred, the county spent about $6,000 cleaning the tank, he said.
Messina said the department is hoping to reopen the restrooms next week if the tank is confirmed to be clean.
Waltjen said someone would need an extension ladder to get to the top of the tank. Messina said staff placed a lock on the tank after the first incident.
Waltjen said vandalism happens at the park about two to three times a week.
Email Tom Callis at tcallis@hawaiitribune-herald.com.