From: Boylan, Peter
Sent: Wednesday, February 06, 2019 11:03 AM
Subject: Conditions at One’ula Beach Park to be Discussed at Kapolei Hale Tomorrow
KYMBERLY MARCOS PINE
COUNCILMEMBER
(808) 768-5001 (808) 768-1217 (fax)
E-mail: kmpine@honolulu.gov
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 2/6/19
Conditions at One’ula Beach Park to be Discussed at Town Hall Thursday
ʻEWA BEACH – Concerns about illegal dumping, homeless encampments and years of neglect at One’ula Beach Park will be discussed by lawmakers, County administrators and area residents Thursday at a Kapolei Hale town hall hosted by City Councilmember Kymberly Marcos Pine.
One’ula Beach Park, also known as “Hau Bush,” has lacked a dedicated County caretaker for years and funds to repair roadways, cut the grass, improve infrastructure and perform routine maintenance and upkeep have languished.
“One’ula Beach Park is a historic gathering place for Ewa Beach residents and anyone who enjoys the beautiful beaches on Oahu’s West Side. Generations of local families have grown up going there to swim, surf, or enjoy a day at the beach,” said Councilmember Pine. “But despite its history and the rapid residential and commercial growth in the surrounding areas, the park remains in almost total disrepair. There are homeless encampments along the shoreline, between the parking areas and the sand. The comfort station is often out of service or too filthy to use. Abandoned vehicles and bulky trash items like car batteries and old furniture are strewn along the side of the road and in the bushes. Volunteers from the community are the only people cleaning the park on a consistent basis. Residents complain that they don’t feel safe. Why is that? These are not new issues. I’ve been organizing beach park cleanups at One’ula since 2004. We have put money in the city budget for years and repeatedly asked the administration to release the funds and work with the community to develop a park sustainment plan. Why is Ala Moana Park and the city properties in our urban core and other neighborhoods always the priority of this administration? What about the West Side? We need solutions and immediate action. Thank you, to the Ewa Beach Neighborhood Board, 808 Clean-ups, the Ewa Beach Lions Club and everyone who reached out to us for your patience, vigilance and work to keep the park clean and safe.”
A presentation detailing the history and current issues at the park will be delivered by the Ewa Beach Neighborhood Board and area residents. (An embargoed copy of the PPT is attached) Possible solutions like installing a new irrigation system, increasing police patrols, new lighting and other measures will be discussed.
Joining Councilmember Pine will be District 9 Council Chair Emeritus Ron Menor, representatives from the City Department of Design and Construction, Facility Maintenance, Parks and Recreation, Honolulu Police Department-District 8, Ewa Weed and Seed, the Ewa Beach Neighborhood Board, 808 Clean-ups and the Ewa Beach Lions Club.
“We look forward to working together with the community and the City administration to ensure that Oneʻula Beach Park finally receives the care and attention it deserves,” said Council Chair Emeritus Menor. “There is a great deal of work that needs to be done and we would like to thank the volunteers that are working hard to improve this important community resource.”
WHAT: One’ula Beach Park Cleanup Town hall Meeting:
WHEN: 6:30-8:30 pm
WHERE: Kapolei Hale Room A, Kapolei Civic Center, 1000 Ulu’Ohi’a Street.
Councilmember Kymberly Marcos Pine represents residents of District One (ʻEwa, ʻEwa Beach, Kapolei, Honokai Hale, Ko ʻOlina, Nanakuli, Maili, Waianae, Makaha, Keaau, Makua)
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Contact:
Peter Boylan
(808) 561-0901
peter.Boylan@honolulu.gov
