Hau'ula park work postponed after protests

By Eloise Aguiar
Advertiser Windward O'ahu Writer

HAU'ULA — Improvements to Hau'ula Beach Park that were two years in the making have been postponed after protests by community residents who say the city's plan will take the biggest and nicest piece of open space in the park and turn it into a parking lot.

"I haven't heard anyone say that we need the parking," Keama said. But, she said, "the location is the big issue."

The location, next to the new pavilion, is the widest section in the small park and is a choice spot for campers and picnickers, Keama said, adding that her family likes to camp in the area because it's close to the restrooms and it's easy to keep an eye on children when they go there.

The parking lot is part of improvements that also include the pavilion, outdoor shower, landscaping and other miscellaneous work, according to city spokeswoman Carol Costa. The project was initiated by the Ko'olauloa Vision Team, and the pavilion and shower have already been completed.

The park now has only two parking stalls, and plans call for 13 more.

The lot would give campers additional parking as well as a place to unload equipment near the campsites, Costa said.

But in response to residents' concerns, the project has been put on hold.

"The department is going to review the contract, the scope of the work and I would assume communicate with the vision team or neighborhood board as to how to proceed," Costa said.

The city recently put up construction barriers and a sign announcing its intent to install the parking lot and other miscellaneous improvements costing $393,500. Keama said that was the first she knew about the project.

The project went through the vision process, which means it was reviewed by the community and approved. However, it's uncertain whether the parking lot was approved, since area leaders say the community never wanted the parking lot placed next to the pavilion.

MaryAnne Long, chairwoman of the Ko'olauloa Neighborhood Board and a Hau'ula resident, said she's not surprised that people are upset. The city and the design consultant were told two years ago that the community wouldn't approve that location, she said.

"We've been on the record since day one," Long said. "We even met with the consultant on the site, and community members said this is the wrong place for the parking lot."

Reach Eloise Aguiar at 234-5266 or eaguiar@honoluluadvertiser.com.