HILO — The Hawaii County Council advanced a bill Tuesday banning alcohol at James Kealoha Beach Park in Hilo.
But not before adding another park to the list.
The bill as amended also would prohibit drinking at Kahakai Park in Hawaiian Beaches.
Puna Councilwoman Eileen O’Hara, who introduced the amendment, said she has received complaints from the “surrounding community” about drinking in the park late in the evening.
She said she recieved support from Puna police about adding it to the county’s list of parks that don’t allow alcohol.
“I think the due diligence has been done to demonstrate that this park also would be a good candidate for an alcohol-free park,” O’Hara said.
The measure, previously passed out of committee, requires one more council vote to be adopted.
Hilo Councilwoman Sue Lee Loy introduced the bill because of concerns from law enforcement and the Keaukaha and Leleiwi communities about bad behavior at James Kealoha Beach Park. She said it’s become more of a hangout spot than a park.
There are nearly 40 parks and facilities in Hawaii County where residents can drink without a permit, either between 10 a.m. and 10 p.m. or between 6 and 10 p.m. At James Kealoha, drinking is allowed for 12 hours a day.
Fights and traffic wrecks are among the issues cited by police who testified in favor of the bill earlier this month.
On Monday afternoon, a few groups of people were drinking beer at James Kealoha, which is adjacent to Carlsmith Beach Park. Alcohol also is allowed there.
Cliff Costa of Keaukaha, who was drinking beer at James Kealoha with two friends, said he blames the complaints on young adults who are “burning rubber” with their cars and causing trouble.
But he thought a blanket alcohol ban goes too far and punishes those who want to have a pau hana beer by the ocean.
“They make trouble for us,” Costa said. “We just come here to relax.”
On Tuesday, the council also advanced a separate bill that would authorize a farmers market at Hakalau Veterans Park, assuming an agreement is reached between organizers and the Parks and Recreation Department. That bill also requires one more vote.
