Isaac Hale Beach Park to reopen Dec. 6

Hawaii County Department of Parks and Recreation is informing the public that Isaac Hale Beach Park, also known as Pohoiki beach park, will reopen at 1 p.m. Dec. 6, after a blessing ceremony.

The public is invited to attend the blessing.

The emergency access roadway to the Pohoiki area, which is located on Highway 137 near MacKenzie State Park, will open at noon Dec. 6, and will remain open until further notice. The Department of Public Works advises drivers to use caution while driving on the emergency road.

Relevant information about Isaac Hale Beach Park:

• There will be a 24-hour security presence.

• New park hours are from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.

• There will be no camping until further notice.

• The park will not have an available water source, as lava damaged the county water lines leading to the park. Park visitors are encouraged to bring plenty of drinking water.

• Portable toilets will be available for public use until water is restored.

• The lava flow created four Natural Ocean Thermal Ponds. The Department of Health is giving notice that these ponds are not disinfected and, due to the risk of bacterial infections, the public should not enter these ponds if they have open wounds. Enter these ponds at your own risk.

• There is a dangerous shore break on the new black sand beach and dangerous ocean currents which could cause injury. Enter the ocean at your own risk.

This new park created is dedicated as a safe and peaceful place for our families. Please kokua to keep it a nice and safe place for the ‘ohana.