Waimea Park Bandstand vandalized, closed down

KAILUA-KONA — The Waimea Park Bandstand is closed indefinitely after an unknown person or persons vandalized the area early Thursday morning, according to a release from the Hawaii County Department of Parks and Recreation.

Roxcie Waltjen, director of Parks and Recreation, noted in the release that toilet and sink fixtures in the bandstand bathroom were replaced last month. The vandal(s) broke those new fixtures as well as damaged the outside water fountain and maintenance storage lockers, she said.

“A person who does this has no respect for the Waimea Park users, lacks community pride, and feels that breaking the restroom equipment has no consequences,” Waltjen said.

She added the cost to taxpayers will amount to roughly $12,000.

“The park users and community members are the ones who will lose out due to this closure,” Waltjen continued. “I’m going to be working with the police department, community and business leaders to determine solutions to prevent further vandalism.”

She asked that anyone with information about the vandal(s) contact the police department, which can be reached by dialing its non-emergency number at 935-3311.

The release also requests that any member of the public who notices vandalism at any parks or beaches contact Parks and Recreation as quickly as possible at 961-8311.