VIDEO: County Celebrates Waiehu Golf Improvements

By Wendy Osher

[flashvideo file=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i0scoDlZpa0 /] The County of Maui celebrated the official opening of the Waiehu Pro Shop today and related improvements at the Waiehu Municipal Golf Course.

In addition to the Waiehu Pro Shop concession that underwent renovations, the facility also added 100 new golf carts, and began improvements to the fairways, greens and tees six months ago.

“The county is putting a lot of effort into making this a better golf course so that the local pubic can enjoy it,” said Arthur Rego, the Director of Golf at Waiehu.

Waiehu Golf course sign. Photo by Wendy Osher.

Rego said the council added some extra funds in the last budget to renovate some of the cart paths, and allow for the purchase of more herbicide and fertilizer for course beautification.

“Places like the golf course add to the quality of life,” said Maui Mayor Alan Arakawa.

“Just the scenery that we have–this is one of the most beautiful places on Earth–and (now) we’re able to appreciate that,” said Mayor Arakawa.

Rego said a greater sense of commitment was realized when the council and the administration began discussions on the possible privatization of the course.

Waiehu Golf course, photo by Wendy Osher.

Although the maintenance staff are “far from done,” they have already received many compliments, some from long-time golfers who say this is the best that the course has looked in the last 10 years.

Council member Joe Pontanilla, who returned over the weekend to play at the course for the first time in three years, commended workers for a “tremendous job” with improvements on the front nine.

“For us council members, we like to see a golf course being maintained by county employees,” he said.

“I’m very hopeful that this will become a very lucrative business venture,” said Mayor Arakawa, “and I know our county employers are working very hard to make the entire facility that much better.”

Family fun at the Waiehu Municipal Golf Course. Photo by Wendy Osher.

Course director Arthur Rego and Council Member Joe Pontanilla. Photo by Wendy Osher.

County employees were among those in attendance. Photo by Wendy Osher.

Mayor Alan Arakawa. Photo by Wendy Osher.