By Staff Reports
(PUHI) – Last week, someone cut out a sizeable section of synthetic turf at the Puhi Park playground and hauled it away. A similar incident occurred in June at the Anne Knudsen Park in Kōloa.
Over the last three years, the county spent approximately $12,000 to resurface each of these playgrounds. Now, the total cost to repair them is $2,600.
“It is very discouraging when vandalism occurs at our parks, especially when it takes place at our playgrounds, which are designed for our keiki to safely enjoy,” said Lenny Rapozo, director of the Department of Parks and Recreation. “We are asking for the public’s help with stopping vandalism.”
He noted that when this type of thing happens, everyone is affected.
“There are replacement costs and manpower requirements, all of which are born by the taxpayer,” said Rapozo. “In addition, the time spent tending to these projects means time taken away from another parks project.”
Anyone with information regarding vandalism at county parks is urged to call Police Dispatch, 241-1711, or Crime Stoppers, 241-1887.
Crime Stoppers is a non-profit organization that offers cash rewards of up to $1,000 to anyone furnishing anonymous information that leads to an arrest.