MEDIA RELEASE

Hawaii County residents will be able to golf at the private Makalei and Waikoloa Village golf courses for the discounted rate of $25 per round (with shared cart) under the county’s new West Hawaii golf program beginning Friday, Oct. 15.

The West Hawaii golf program was begun in 2006 to provide equitable access to county-supported golf courses in Hawaii County.

The county contributes $500,000 to keep costs low for residents of North Kona, South Kona, and the Waikoloa/South Kohala Coast, who don’t have easy access to the only county-owned course in Hilo.

The new West Hawaii golf program replaces the $10 discount card program that was previously in effect.

The County budget allocates $361,379 for operating costs at the Hilo Municipal Golf Course. The remainder of the municipal course’s annual $1.13 million budget comes from golf course revenue, including greens fees and vendor fees.

All three golf courses also have been dedicated as drop-off sites for the Hawaii Island Food Basket and golfers are asked to make a volunteer donation of a canned food item to help the hungry in our communities.

For further information, call the Department of Parks and Recreation, 961-8311.