By TOM CALLIS
By TOM CALLIS
Tribune-Herald staff writer
The Hawaii Island YWCA will close its pool after today citing a lack of funds, but many of its members aren’t quite ready to say goodbye.
Located at the Ululani Street facility in Hilo, the solar-heated, saltwater pool has been a cherished fixture for members.
Kupuna, who enjoy the heated water, use it for exercise while mothers go to give keiki their first swimming lessons.
Yet, revenue from pool and membership fees isn’t enough to cover the costs, YWCA management has said, and a $75,000 yearly deficit has been considered unsustainable.
CEO Kathleen McGilvray said it’s a “very sad” decision to have to make, but added the closure will help the organization sustain its other services.
“This is a program that has not been able to cover its cost for several years,” she said. “And, unfortunately, due to the increase in costs and a decrease in membership … we are not going to be able to continue it.”
Still, pool users interviewed Friday said they are not giving up yet.
Several said they believe they can garner the financial support to cover the costs, and are gathering signatures from members who would be willing to contribute about $500 a year.
YWCA member Sandie Woodward said she believes it’s a goal they can meet, noting that the pool is beloved by many members.
Despite other pools available in Hilo, the heated water and company of other members sets it apart, she said.
“It’s because of the location and the aloha,” she said. “It’s open under the sun. It’s nice.”
Another member, Brenda LeNoir, estimated that more than 100 members have agreed to contribute.
LeNoir said the pool helps members with arthritis and overall health.
“That’s what matters most for us,” she said.
Pool user Mahina Trask said it’s some of the only exercise its members get.
“This is part of their life,” she said.
Helen Thompson, 92, said for her, the pool is essential.
“I can jump up and down in there,” she said. “On land, I can’t do anything.”
McGilvray said Friday she had not been approached about the idea.
She said it would take 150 people to make the numbers work.
“Anything could be considered at this point but we would have to have 150 people committed to doing that,” McGilvray said. “That would be something we would have to discuss with the board,” she added.
McGilvray said she has had discussions with other parties about leasing the pool, but nothing has been settled.
“I don’t have anything definite yet,” she said.
After scheduled pool use ends today, it will be off limits, though it won’t be drained or filled right away.
McGilvray said she didn’t have a timeline or cost estimates for filling the pool, which has been open since 1973.
In the meantime, it will be maintained at a minimum level but it won’t be suitable for swimming, she said.
“It won’t become a swamp but I wouldn’t recommend anyone swimming in it,” McGilvray said.
The YWCA began talking about closing the pool in summer 2012.
A donation drive was held late last year, raising $49,000.
That covered costs up until July, the YWCA has said.
McGilvray said other means of funding the pool had been tried, including lane rentals for businesses and other promotional efforts.
Seven positions, including two full-time jobs, are being eliminated as a result of the closure.
A public free swim will be held from 12:30-2:30 p.m. today.
Email Tom Callis at tcallis@hawaiitribune-herald.com.