Back to 18 holes; Full muni golf course reopens; renovations continue

Regulars at the Hilo Municipal Golf Course once again can play a full 18-hole round.

Play at the course, which has been undergoing renovations since last summer, was restricted to the front nine holes and a temporary green since February. Tee times were modified to allow the front nine holes to be played twice — “the equivalent of an 18-hole golfing experience,” according to a Hawaii County press release.

The full course reopened Saturday for play, but reconstruction is not yet finished.

“We’re approaching 50 percent completion,” county Parks and Recreation spokesman Jason Armstrong said Tuesday. The project is on track to be complete by mid-November.

Renovation of the municipal course, the only county-owned facility on the Big Island, began in August 2015.

Initially estimated to cost just more than $17 million, the project since had three change orders that increased the cost by 3.3 percent, putting the current total at about $17.5 million.

“That’s not unusual for a project of this complexity and size,” Armstrong said.

Work includes building a new clubhouse as well as new restrooms, rain shelters and drinking fountains on the course. The shelters and drinking fountains are in place; the clubhouse had its foundation poured and one roof installed.

New walkways, bridges and fencing also are being added to the course.

Greens at the ninth, 17th and 18th holes were reconstructed and are currently in the hurry-up-and-wait stage of growing new grass.

About 200 golfers per day, mainly senior citizens playing in groups, use the course, according to one clubhouse attendant.

The intersection of Haihai Street and Laula Road is a busy one. Across the street from the golf course construction, crews have begun work on a new county fire station.

The $10.6 million project broke ground in April and is also expected to be complete by November.

Email Ivy Ashe at iashe@hawaiitribune-herald.com.