City won't budge on park water
By Suzanne Roig
Advertiser East Honolulu Writer
KAHALA — In the middle of Kahala sits a park that's dying for water.
For years, residents in the area of the 4.2-acre private park bordered by Hunakai and 'Ulumaika streets have been dragging garden hoses or bringing buckets of water across the street to irrigate the grounds and trees. They say what's needed is the ability to tap into water right in the park.
But that requires a water meter, and the city wants $40,000 to install one.
The residents want the city to waive the cost of installing a water meter because they say it's in the best interest of the community at large for the park to be maintained. But city officials say new users must pay for their share of the impact on the water system.
"We don't distinguish between users," said Keith Shida, the Board of Water Supply's executive for customer care. "All new users pay the same fee. There is no exception. It seems like a lot, but isn't really considering the size of the property."
That leaves the Hunakai Park Association, which owns the park, pondering what to do.
Soccer and baseball teams use the field all the time, and residents use it to exercise or fly kites, said Susan Spangler, a member of the association.
"We enjoy taking care of the park," Spangler said. "The park has never had any water on it. When it rains it looks pretty good, but when it doesn't it's pretty crispy."
Spangler said the park was deeded to the Hunakai Park Association in 1991 by Kamehameha Schools with three stipulations: that the community maintain the park; that the association carry liability insurance; and that it allow the Waialae Country Club to use it for overflow parking for the annual Sony Open golf tournament.
For maintenance, the association purchased a riding mower and other landscaping equipment.
One resident drafted a master landscaping plan for the park, and others planted trees and helped water the arid area.
The city has said it would only take responsibility for providing water to the park if the community deeds the land to the city, said Gino Gabrio, a nearby resident and member of the association.
"The city said it was not willing to make accommodations for a private park, which clearly is open to anyone who wants to use it," Gabrio said.
But residents are loath to turn it over to the city for fear that the city will build a restroom on it, which would encourage use, particularly at night. By keeping it private, residents can maintain some control of the park.
"The park means the most to those of us who live around it," Spangler said. "It's an open space. I think it's a priceless piece of land.
"It could become an oasis if it's taken care of."
Reach Suzanne Roig at 395-8831 or sroig@honoluluadvertiser.com.
