Skatepark patrol proposed
By Eloise Aguiar
Advertiser Windward O'ahu Writer
KAILUA — After-hours trespassers at Keolu Skatepark could face a citizen patrol made up of their peers, park neighbors and skateboard association members, who will ask the trespassers to leave.
If they don't, police will be called to enforce the 7 p.m. closing time at the park located adjacent to Keolu Elementary School.
The Kailua Neighborhood Board proposed last night to organize a citizen's patrol to crack down on problems at the new park, including graffiti, litter, noise and after-hours skaters. Neighbors began to complain about problems even before the 15,000-square-foot park opened in February.
Board chairwoman Faith Evans said when the skaters went to the board five years ago seeking support for construction of the park, the board overwhelmingly supported it because skaters promised to abide by rules and to regulate themselves.
Skaters now will have to take the lead in forming the patrols, Evans said. If problems continue, the board may ask police to cite violators, she said.
Tony Kanzic, executive director of the Association of Skateboarders in Hawai'i, was glad to hear of the board's decision.
"That's good news," Kanzic said, "because I don't want the kids to lose this. We worked too hard to get it."
Last week Kanzic sent out letters to 250 members of the association asking them to curb misbehavior and to report problems to the police, parks department or to the association.
Barry Wong, board member in charge of skateboard park issues, said the board will help organize the team, similar to a group that patrols the Lanikai boat ramp on weekend nights, made up of skateboard association members and park neighbors.
"The citizens will take an active role in community policing of the area, and that will help to minimize the abuses of the park," Wong said.
Anyone wishing to join the group should attend the board's Park & Recreation Committee meeting at 7 p.m. Aug. 12 at Kalama Beach Park, Boettcher Estate, 248 N. Kalaheo Ave.
