(BIVN) – After a long closure due to the eruption of Kīlauea Volcano, the Pāhoa Community Aquatic Center will reopen on February 6 at 9:00 a.m.

The Hawai‘i County Department of Parks and Recreation is inviting the public to attend the blessing ceremony before the opening.

“We have hit another milestone in lava recovery efforts and are excited to have an opening date for the Pāhoa pool. Mahalo to Royal Pools of Hawaii for staying on schedule and working closely with the Department during the restoration work,” said Roxcie Waltjen, Hawaiʻi County Director of Parks and Recreation in a media release.

The work included the removal of “Pele’s hair”,  the fine threads of volcanic glass that form during lava fountains, and the repair of cracks in the main pool’s basin and deck area.

“The pool will open with an adjusted schedule until we fill two vacant full-time Pāhoa lifeguard positions,” Waltjen said. “Interviews for these positions are expected be completed by February 5th. This adjusted schedule will ensure that we have enough lifeguards to keep the pool open, and that we have two lifeguards on duty in case of emergencies. Even with this adjusted schedule, we will be able to have a free swim schedule and teach water aerobics, and the USA swim team will still be able to practice.”