Long-Delayed Makakilo Park to Be Accepted by the City

KYMBERLY MARCOS PINE
COUNCILMEMBER, DISTRICT 1
(808) 768-5001
(808) 768-1217 (fax)
e-mail: kmpine@honolulu.gov

NEWS RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Councilmember Kymberly Marcos Pine
January 12, 2015 Tel: (808) 768-5001

Long-Delayed Makakilo Park to Be Accepted by the City

Councilmember Pine introduces legislation to streamline park dedication process

MAKAKILO — Plans for the long-awaited opening of Kahiwelo Park in Makakilo will finally be put in front of the City Council for approval tomorrow in the Parks, Community and Customer Services Committee at 10:30 a.m. The City’s long delay in accepting the park, as well as the new district park at Ocean Pointe, Ewa, has prompted Councilmember Kymberly Marcos Pine to introduce Resolution 15-9, which requests the city streamline its park approval process, so completed parks can be opened faster.

The 3-acre park, located near the corner of Kuluhi Street and Welo Street, had been promised to residents years ago, as part of the D.R. Horton – Schuler Division’s Kahiwelo at Makakilo community. The park, constructed by D.R. Horton, contains a large grass field, play court, playground structure, comfort station and parking lot. However, prominently placed throughout the park are ‘Keep Out’ signs, letting the public know that while the park appears finished, the City has not-yet accepted it for public use. Kahiwelo Park was completed in May 2014, and originally expected to be turned over to the City in the summer of 2014, however, City delays held-up the park’s opening until today. Similar delays held up the opening of Ocean Pointe Park until January 2015, though the project was completed by Haseko in August 2014.

“The Makakilo community has waited years for this park, and they have watched this park sit vacant for months because the City does not streamline its park acceptance process,” said Councilmember Kymberly Marcos Pine.

The City Council’s Parks, Community and Customer Services Committee will vote on whether to approve the park dedication in tomorrow’s 10:30 a.m. meeting. The full Council will then vote on the park dedication at the next full-Council meeting on January 28th, using the Committee’s recommendation as a guide.
Councilmember Pine represents residents of District One (Ewa, Ewa Beach, Kapolei, Honokai Hale, Ko Olina, Nanakuli, Maili, Waianae, Makaha, Keaau, Makua) and chairs the Parks, Community and Customer Services Committee.