Cliff park to get irrigation

By Suzanne Roig
Advertiser East Honolulu Writer

A park along O'ahu's most notable landmark, Diamond Head, has been left to wither for lack of water.

The sea vista may be splendid at the Kuilei Cliffs park but the terrain is an eyesore. The cliffs should be greener after money for an irrigation system becomes available in July. Gregory Yamamoto • The Honolulu Advertiser

Here, just below the spectacular views from Diamond Head Road, little but kiawe and haole koa survive. The harsh sun and saltwater spray make conditions hostile on the cliff. There is no greenery, only rocks, dirt and the occasional tree to greet the tourists and surfers walking along the paved path to the beach.

"These trees don't get irrigated," said Michelle Matson, a member of the Diamond Head Citizens Advisory Committee, a state-ordered citizen group that reviews all proposals for Diamond Head.

City officials say that the park is properly maintained, but some residents complain about conditions here. Now, thanks to the area vision team, something is going to be done to improve matters.

Money for an irrigation system, an estimated $80,000 project, will be made available in July, and the city has until the end of the year to award a contract, said Eric Crispin, deputy director of the city Department of Design and Construction.

While the park is on state-owned land, it is the city's responsibility to maintain the park, said Crispin. Crews do their job, he said. The trash cans are not overflowing and the railings and walkways are free of debris, Crispin said. The problem is there is no water there and Diamond Head is the driest part of the island.

"This year is an exception. We've had a lot of rain, but in past years it's been dry," Crispin said. "But the park is well maintained, trimmed, no weeds. It's dry there. With the sea and salt and little water, it makes it hard for things to grow."

But down the way a bit, surfers and area residents have adopted a section over the stone wall and have planted a lush garden, showing what is possible with a little care and a little water, they say.

Gilbert Lum and other surfers started planting a garden along the makai side of Diamond Head more than two years ago because people were complaining about how the view was being obscured by the overgrown scrub and kiawe.

"I decided to make it nice," Lum said.

So he and others started bringing plants from home, grass plugs and a hose, and almost every day someone waters the grass and weeds the gardens. Not all the plants are native to the area, but Lum said many people stop by to admire the garden.

Then there's the park.

Matson points out that the mauka side of Diamond Head, also owned by the state but maintained by the city, looks well cared for. A few years ago, a grant from a resident paid for native plants and for crushed coral to beautify that area.

Rep. Mindy Jaffe, R-19th (Waikiki, Kaimuki, Diamond Head), said the makai side is not really cared for by anyone.

"It's been neglected," she said. "It's pretty trashed."

Reach Suzanne Roig at sroig@honoluluadvertiser.com or 395-8831.