The Rim of Pacific Exercises (RIMPAC), the world’s largest international maritime warfare exercise, is back in Hawaii for the biennial event and will take place around our shores until August 3.

Due to this event, the Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR) has advised that for reasons concerning public safety daytime activities at Bellows Beach Park, including swimming and picnicking, will not be allowed while the RIMPAC exercises take place.  

Consequently the campsites will also be closed. No camping permits will be available for issue during the weekends of July 13 to 15 and July 27 to 29.

However, camping permits are available for the weekend of July 20 to 22.

The following information is provided by the Department of Parks and Recreation Windward District:

Parts of the Kailua Beach Park shoreline, between the boat ramp and Ka'elepulu Stream, will close temporarily beginning Monday, March 19, 2012, through Friday, March 23, 2012, from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily for sand replenishment.  The boat ramp and the unimproved boat parking lots will be closed as well.

The City will augment the beach with sand from Ka'elepulu Stream.

The Earth Day Community Service Project is this Saturday, April 23.

Another way to participate is to donate non-perishable foods for the Hawaii Food Bank Drive. They will also take money donations. The donation site will be set up in the triangle opposite the Model Airplane Field on Kapa'a Quarry Road in Kailua.

For more information, call the Harold K.L. Castle Foundation at 808 263 7603 or email them at bmurph@castlefoundation.org