Ask the Mayor: Why Can’t Summer Pool Hours be Extended?

Kahului Pool, photos/graphic by Wendy Osher.

Mayor Alan Arakawa answers some of the most-asked questions submitted to his office staff.

Aloha Mayor Arakawa:

Q:  I was wondering why the hours at the public pools cannot be extended during the summer months? If the hours at the swimming pools were extended, I believe more people (especially those that work until 4 or 4:30 p.m.) would be able to utilize and enjoy the facilities. Swimming pools shouldn’t just be available during regular business hours. It is considered recreation, is it not?

Perhaps, an analysis of the pool usage data that are collected (via the sign-in sheets) would show peaks and pool lifeguard hours/schedule could be adjusted accordingly.

Why should the wheel be reinvented? Take a look at the Honolulu City and County’s recreational swim program; their pools offer extended hours, especially during peak times of the year (i.e.: summer). It is a pity that Maui County’s pools are so underutilized. Mahalo for your time.

A:  Before we can even consider extending our pool hours, we must first hire more pool guards. Right now, we have seven civil service pool guard vacancies, despite an ongoing recruitment process. If anyone out there believes they might be qualified to become a pool guard, please pick up and fill out an employment application with the County of Maui.

These applications can be found here on the sixth floor of the Kalana O Maui building, the Maui County Business Resource Center at the Maui Mall, the Parks and Recreation District offices at the Lahaina Civic Center, Kīhei Community Center and at Eddie Tam Memorial Gym.

On Moloka‘i, they can be found at the Mitchell Pauole Center, and on Lana‘i at the Lāna‘i Police Station.

Or you can download the application from the county website or just apply online. Click on “Employment Opportunities” to get started.

Want to Ask the Mayor?

Submit your questions about County of Maui programs, services, operations or policies to Mayor Alan Arakawa via email at [email protected], by phone at 270-7855 or by mail to 200 S. High St., 9th Floor, Wailuku, HI 96793. Questions submitted will be considered for inclusion in the Ask the Mayor column.