WAILUKU – Mayor Michael Victorino announced last week that all golf courses, select county parks and select county beach parks will reopen on May 1 as part of the first phase of an easing of COVID-19 restrictions.

“Activity in parks will be limited to exercise only – walking, jogging, biking and ocean activities,” Victorino said. “Golf courses and parks were selected to open first because they’re considered low-risk and allow exercise with social distancing and other safeguard measures. Changes will be made to limit personal interaction and prevent the transmission of illness.”

For all golf courses, only one person will be allowed in a golf cart unless the second person is a spouse or family member living in the same residence. There will be no flags at the holes, no rakes in sand traps and no refreshments sold or provided on courses.

Golfers also cannot share equipment, and sanitization of each golf cart after each round is required.

The county’s Waiehu Golf Course will conduct business without cash to eliminate hand-to-hand contact.

All golf courses are encouraged to follow United States Golf Association and Professional Golfers Association guidance for operation during the COVID-19 pandemic.

County parks to reopen on May 1 include “Duke” Maliu Regional Park on Molokai, Hana Ball Park, Keanae Park, Kahului Community Park, Keopuolani Community Park, Kilohana Park, South Maui Community Park, Liloa Drive Bike Trail in Kihei, Lahaina Recreation Center, Napili Park, Lanai Entry Park, New Kula Ballfield and Pukalani Park.

County beach parks to open include Hana Beach Park, Hoaloha Park in Kahului, Hookipa Beach Park, Lower Paia Park, Kamaole I, II and III, One Alii Park, Wahikuli Wayside Park and Waiehu Beach Park.

Parks and beach parks will be open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Park uses NOT available for the public include playground equipment, basketball or tennis courts, organized sports, congregating, grills, picnic tables, benches, pavilions, skate parks or gymnasiums.

Face coverings or masks will also be required whenever leaving home starting May 1. Exceptions include children under five, while exercising, certain health conditions and certain financial institutions.

“We must remain vigilant with social distancing, wearing face coverings and practicing good hygiene,” Mayor Victorino said. “If we see increasing numbers of cases, we may need to re-impose restrictions. We will be watching for warning signs very carefully.”