HONOLULU (KHON2) — After years of asking, local disc golfers are getting their first free 18-hole course on Oahu. The price: keeping the park clean. Golfers said it’s well worth it.
Permanent disc golf baskets are being installed at Waahila Ridge State Recreation Area atop St. Louis Heights.
It’s thanks to a partnership between the State Department of Land and Natural Resources and the Honolulu Disc Golf Association.
“Well for many years, it was no, no, no, no, no,” said Allen Borsky, HDGA President. “And then it was okay, but we’re gonna need you to follow these steps.”
Golfers have been playing there for 14 years with temporary baskets. DLNR recently agreed for the group to install permanent ones in exchange for park maintenance.
“Some of the areas that we’ll be putting in some of the new holes have had problems with homelessness, and other bad influences in the park so if we activate that area and we’re using it, it keeps that kind of bad influences out of the park,” said Borsky.
In a statement, DLNR said we are pleased to formalize this long-standing activity in the park area that we feel is appropriate for limited disc golf use. The agreement is for a year.
“We’re hoping this year we can establish a great relationship with DLNR and the neighborhood, and the town and show them that we’re serious about making this a better place,” said Jeff Hawkins, HDGA Board member. “Removing the negative and bringing in the positive.”
Disc golf can be a wide open area, just like a golf course or it can be played at the top of the mountain in the middle of the forest. Players said they welcomed the challenge.
“It really increases our ability to get better at the sport, having these challenges,” said Hawkins. “Not to mention it’s like 10 degrees cooler up here than in town you know, so it feels great and you get to really appreciate so much wonderful nature.”
Currently, six permanent baskets have already been installed. HDGA hopes to have all 18 set up by next March and the baskets are open to the public.
“Come here anytime and play,” said Borsky.
“It’s really a community sport,” said Hawkins. “We welcome everybody all ages anybody who wants to come, it’s as easy as throwing a frisbee or as hard as throwing a frisbee you know, so everybody’s welcome.”
More information can be found on the HDGA’s website.