Lanakila closer to getting pool
By James Gonser
Advertiser Urban Honolulu Writer
A long-awaited swimming pool at Lanakila District Park moved a step closer to reality last week with the city Planning Commission voting to change the public facilities map to allow for a public pool at the site.
On Wednesday, the commission voted 6-0 to support the $6 million project, which now moves to the City Council for hearings, where finding the money will be another hurdle.
About 42,000 residents live in the area, said city planner Matt Higashida in a brief presentation on the project. An estimated 700 senior citizens live within easy walking distance of the site, next to Lanakila Elementary School.
Wayne Kishida, a youth team sports volunteer, said hundreds of residents have been waiting for a pool for many years.
"For over 25 years, we have fought for a swimming pool in our area," Kishida said during testimony Wednesday. "We finally have an opportunity to make our dream come true."
Kishida said that when the pool was first proposed in the mid-1970s, the site was occupied by a custodian's house. The project was put on hold until the house was torn down years later, but by then the city had a moratorium on new pools, he said.
Kii McMannen, an aide for Sen. Suzanne Chun Oakland, D-14th (Palama, 'Alewa Heights), presented the commission with a petition signed by 427 residents in support of the pool.
The city is required to amend the Primary Urban Center Public Facilities Map by adding a symbol for a park modification when significant public money is being spent on a project. It cannot proceed without adding the symbol to the map, which guides development in Honolulu.
Project designer Paul Louie detailed plans for the 50-meter pool to the Liliha/ 'Alewa/Pu'unui/Kamehameha Heights Neighborhood Board meeting last month.
He said the pool would have a wheelchair lift and nine lanes. An adjacent two-story building would have restrooms, showers, a pool equipment room, maintenance room and manager's office. The pool would offer swimming classes and a full aquatic program, he said.
The board voted 7-0 with three abstentions to oppose the project.
Member James L. Fife said the board did not oppose the pool, but wanted a smaller, 25-meter pool.
"We thought it was too big," Fife said. "You are going to lose part of the school grounds, and we want to make sure it doesn't interfere with the education of the children. By cutting it down, the school would have more room and less noise during the day to disrupt classes."
"The board is opposed to it, but the community is not," said board chairwoman Teresa Russell, who abstained because of a conflict. "I think it is a betterment for the community as a whole."
Planning Commission chairman Charlie Rodgers said there was a clear need for a pool in the area, but finding the money in the tight city budget would be next to impossible.
"Hawai'i Kai also needs a pool, but if I had to choose between the two, I'd pick this one," Rodgers said. "It's been greatly needed for more than 20 years now. Let's give them a chance to fight for it."
Reach James Gonser at jgonser@honoluluadvertiser.com or 535-2431.
