South Kona rodeo community prepares for the opening of the new facility in Honaunau. Courtesy County of Hawaii.

HONAUNAU, Hawaii – The Honaunau Rodeo Arena improvement project is finished, and on Saturday South Kona celebrated.

Mayor Billy Kenoi and Councilwoman Maile Medeiros David saddled up and rode into the new arena with wide smiles, joining the South Kona rodeo community to bless the facility.

The untying of the maile lei at the gate of the new and improved arena. Courtesy County of Hawaii.

The blessing ceremony included comments from Council Chair Dru Mamo Kanuha and Karen Eoff, and featured a special presentation by the Kona Roping Club before a blessing by Kumu Ke’ala Ching.

Mayor Billy Kenoi talks story at the podium. Courtesy County of Hawaii.

Councilwoman Maile David speaks. Courtesy County of Hawaii.

The $5.4 million project reconstructed the rodeo arena, improved on-site utilities, installed new covered seating for over 700 spectators, a new judges’ stand, restrooms, parking lot, and a pavilion for community events, the county says.

Mayor Kenoi presents the finished product to the crowd. Courtesy County of Hawaii.