Pool chair lifts used by disabled people to access Kawamoto Swim Stadium and NAS Swimming Pool in Hilo are out of service until further notice because of vandalism, the county Department of Parks and Recreation said Thursday.
Pool chair lifts used by disabled people to access Kawamoto Swim Stadium and NAS Swimming Pool in Hilo are out of service until further notice because of vandalism, the county Department of Parks and Recreation said Thursday.
Both were vandalized after hours.
Vandals cut the wires and removed the motor from the Kawamoto pool lift. The department will order the required parts and repair the lift.
The NAS lift was pushed into the pool and is a total loss because of water damage. Replacing the lift will cost about $8,000, and the department is unsure when replacement will occur.
County officials described the property damage as “wanton acts of vandalism” and said patrons with mobility issues will be unable to enter and exit the pools with ease until the lifts are back in operation.
Anyone with information about the incidents are asked to call the police nonemergency number at 935-3311 or Crime Stoppers at 961-8300.
Anyone finding property damage at Parks and Recreation facilities are asked to call 961-8311.
