Kawamoto Swim Stadium in Hilo was vandalized Sunday night.
According to the Hawaii County Parks and Recreation Department, a locked area holding pool equipment was broken into and equipment was removed, damaged and displaced across the pool.
“On Sunday evening, we discovered the Kawamoto pool had been entered, and a locked area was broken into,” said spokesperson Thatcher Moats. “A bunch of equipment was removed and tossed into the pool and scattered around the pool deck, as well. Everything from weights to rescue tubes were in the pool, along with the big-ticket item, the pace clock.”
According to Moats, the pace clock that is used to help swimmers and coaches improve swim times was thrown into the pool and damaged beyond repair.
“We also found an oxygen unit and regulator in the pool, along with other rescue equipment,” Moats said. “While not everything was destroyed, the digital pace clock was, and it is about $1,400 to replace.”
The lock and door of the holding are were damaged during the incident and will need to be replaced.
A stereo system and speakers used at the pool were the only things unaccounted for and reported stolen Sunday. Lifeguards are using a rented unit to keep the music going for swimmers.
The vandalism and theft totaled about $2,700 worth of damage, and the Hawaii Police Department is investigating the crime.
After the police investigated the scene Sunday, Parks and Rec staff went to the pool to take inventory of items and clean the pool, ensuring services were not interrupted Monday.
“It’s tough seeing vandalism at our facilities, but we want to make sure pool users know that services will not be interrupted by this incident,” Moats said. “If anyone has any information, please call the police nonemergency line.”
Email Kelsey Walling at kwalling@hawaiitribune-herald.com.
