County to Offer Permit Refunds For Community Center Events

Mayor Hannibal Tavares Community Center. PC: County of Maui.

The Department of Parks and Recreation is asking people with canceled permits for events that had been scheduled at community centers from March 16 through April 16 to contact park district offices.

Parks staff will offer to provide them with refunds for permits or check on facility availability on later dates.

Closure of the facilities is based on recommendations from Gov. David Ige and the state Department of Health that large, crowded gatherings of public events be postponed or canceled.

The closure of Maui County community centers begins Monday, March 16, for 30 days.

“This is not a decision I made lightly and I understand the inconvenience that this has caused residents who’ve booked community centers in advance for important family events,” Mayor Victorino said in a press release.

“However, we need to take necessary, proactive steps in our community to limit the spread of the coronavirus in our community. We will provide permit refunds or work to reschedule events at our facilities, and continue to take whatever steps are necessary to protect our community.”

People with canceled permits are asked to contact park district offices, beginning at 8 a.m. Monday, March 16. Delays may be experienced because of an expected high volume of calls to district offices. Callers may leave voicemail messages that will be returned as soon as possible.

The district offices and phone numbers are:

• Department of Parks and Recreation Main Office in Wailuku, (808) 270-7389.
• East District office in Makawao, (808) 572-8122.
• Hana District office, (808) 876-4582.
• Lanai District office, (808) 565-6979.
• Molokai District office, (808) 553-3204.
• South District office in Kihei, (808) 879-4364.
• West District office in Lahaina, (808) 661-4685.

The closure of community centers is due to increased precautions. The temporary closure may be extended, if necessary, depending on health and safety concerns.