Park sprayed for mosquitoes

Hawaii County closed Hookena Beach Park in South Kona on Sunday so crews could spray for mosquitoes as part of the fight against dengue fever.

The beach park and facilities will reopen by midafternoon today, county Civil Defense announced on its website.

“This is a preventative measure only as there have been no confirmed cases associated with the beach park since November,” the agency said.

The latest case, confirmed by the state Thursday, demonstrates that “this outbreak remains active and is not anticipated to be considered over anytime in the near future,” Civil Defense added. “Therefore we are asking for everyone’s help to continue to Fight the Bite.”

The state Health Department has confirmed 261 cases of dengue fever since Sept. 11.

Part of sports complex opens

The first phase of the $4.7 million Central Maui Regional Sports Complex opened Saturday, providing two softball fields, an open field, two comfort stations and a concession building.

Throwing out the ceremonial first pitches were Lt. Gov. Shan Tsutsui, Mayor Alan Arakawa and Jeffrey Pearson, deputy director of the state Department of Land and Natural Resources. The department will be handing over the complex to the county.

The complex, between Wailuku and Waikapu and next to Alexander & Baldwin’s Waiale development, will encompass 65 acres and ultimately include a full-size baseball field, a quad of softball fields, a Little League baseball quad and soccer fields.