But this community, sandwiched between Kuli'ou'ou and 'Aina Haina, has never had playground equipment in its one city park, which is next to the Niu Valley Middle School.

The community of about 800 homes does have municipal tennis courts.

"I've heard so many excuses why we don't have any playground equipment," Johnson said. "There is a solution; I just need to tell them how to solve it."

Councilman Charles Djou said he supports Johnson's effort, but that there isn't enough land unless the city condemns two house lots, tears up the tennis courts and replaces them with playground equipment, works to change the middle school to an elementary school or closes the middle school.

None of these solutions suit Johnson.

"We have to get in our car and go somewhere else to play in a park," Johnson said. "We have as many people as 'Aina Haina or Kalama Valley."

Johnson, who is a member of the Kuli'ou'ou/Kalani Iki Neighborhood Board, is asking the board to vote on a measure at its Thursday meeting, urging city and state governments to resolve the situation by swapping, purchasing or condemning land to ensure there's enough room for playground equipment.

After the community meeting, Johnson said, she'd like to set up a meeting with city officials and Djou to talk about possible locations for playground equipment in her community.

On O'ahu there are 146 parks, each with playground equipment for children or toddlers. East Honolulu has 36 of the parks.

"There's just not enough land," Djou said. "I am happy to push for playground equipment for Niu Valley, but the problem is there isn't enough space for it."

Traditionally, community parks are situated and operated in conjunction with public elementary schools. When it comes to middle schools, such as Niu Valley Middle School, the Department of Education's policy is to provide open field space, not playground equipment, Djou said.