Konawaena pool closed after Monday incident

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The Konawaena High School pool was closed Tuesday after a man reportedly harassed and then mooned a lifeguard on Monday.

The Konawaena High School pool was closed Tuesday after a man reportedly harassed and then mooned a lifeguard on Monday.

Hawaii County Department of Parks and Recreation Director Bob Fitzgerald said around lunchtime Monday, shortly before the pool was set to open, a van pulled into the area and at least one person got out, jumped the pool’s fence, and reportedly harassed a lifeguard before pulling down his trousers while leaving. Four “novice” swimmers were in the area and may have witnessed the incident, he added.

He said police were immediately summoned, however, the van left the scene prior to their arrival.

West Hawaii Assistant Police Chief Paul Kealoha said the incident involved a mooning, not genital exposure; police were actively investigating the incident; and no one had been apprehended.

Konawaena High School Principal Shawn Suzuki confirmed an incident occurred, but referred comment to the Department of Parks and Recreation, which oversees the pool.

Konawaena pool is slated to reopen Friday afternoon.