KAILUA-KONA >> Big Island officials are considering closing beaches and canceling the Ironman World Championship in response to a surge of coronavirus cases on the island.
“Right now our numbers are skyrocketing. It’s a shame because we as a county have been doing a great job,” Hawaii County Mayor Mitch Roth told County Council members. “But we let down our guards — I let down my guard.”
The administration is revising its emergency rules and will submit the changes to Gov. David Ige for approval, West Hawaii Today reported Wednesday.
That revision could include a return to restrictions at parks and beaches that allow people to only cross the sand to get to the ocean to surf, swim or fish, but not to gather or sit. Similar restrictions were enacted across Hawaii during the peak of the pandemic last year.
The Ironman World Championship is currently set for Oct. 9 in Kailua-Kona. Roth said a decision would be made soon about whether the event could go on.
“Unfortunately, it doesn’t look too positive for Ironman this year,” Roth said. “The question with Ironman is what do you do with all the people who come to spectate.”
Planet Fitness to open gym in Waianae
Planet Fitness said Wednesday it will be opening its second Oahu location and fourth in Hawaii in October at the Waianae Shopping Mall at 86-120 Farrington Highway.
New members can join now for just $1 down, then $10 per month with no commitment until Sept. 2. In-person membership enrollment also will be available at the Planet Fitness presales office at Waianae Mall beginning Sept. 7.
Planet Fitness opened its first Hawaii location at Ala Moana Center in December 2017, followed by locations on Maui and in Kailua-Kona on Hawaii Island the year after.
The new Planet Fitness Waianae location is 20,000 square feet and will offer cardio machines and strength equipment, 30-Minute Express Circuit, numerous flat screen televisions, and fully equipped locker rooms with day lockers and showers.
The facility will be open and staffed 24 hours a day from midnight on Monday through 10 p.m. on Friday, and 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays.
