Waiting for a return: Kupuna practice softball despite games being on hold

Robert Smith fields a hard-hit groundball near the edge of the infield at Old Kona Airport Park. (Tom Linder/West Hawaii Today)

Ken Ono takes a swing during batting practice at Old Kona Airport Park. (Tom Linder/West Hawaii Today)

Warren Nelson delivers a pitch midway through a practice on Thursday morning. (Tom Linder/West Hawaii Today)

Kupuna softball games may be on hold for the time being, but ballplayers in West Hawaii are staying sharp. Taking advantage of the ample space at Old Kona Airport Park, players from a handful of teams have been able to hold socially-distanced practices in preparation for future games.