By Staff Reports
(O‘AHU) – Efforts to build a long-anticipated swimming pool and recreation center at Kahuku District Park are progressing, with the public invited to a community design meeting next week.
The meeting is scheduled for Thursday, September 26 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Kahuku Elementary School’s Cafeteria. It will begin with a talk story session to discuss the effort’s background and logistics before breaking-out into smaller groups to explore possible designs. Then participants can survey and share their sentiments on the various design elements.
Following this meeting, another public forum will be held to discuss the proposed design of the new facilities based on the September meeting. That forum is currently scheduled for Tuesday, October 29 beginning at 6 p.m. at the same Kahuku Elementary Cafeteria location. Another public announcement with additional details about the follow-up October meeting will be made.
In addition, a new website has been launched to provide access to meeting information, highlight the project’s history, and deliver updates on the effort. You can access that website by visiting: bit.ly/kahukuforyou
For those who cannot attend these in-person meetings, please review the information on the website and provide your input by emailing parks@honolulu.gov no later than Thursday, October 10, 2024.
With the immense potential to enhance the recreational opportunities and community cohesion for current and future park users in Kahuku, the City hopes these meetings will reflect the values and priorities of the community as we consider a variety of perspectives. These meetings also provide a level of transparency and inclusivity, helping to create a sense of ownership among all participants as they collaborate with the various stakeholders in this effort.
This project came as a direct result of the Mayor’s April 20, 2023 Town Hall meeting in Lāʻie, where residents shared their long-standing desire for a full-sized public pool and recreation center. The closest City swimming pools for the Ko‘olauloa communities are located either at Kāne‘ohe District Park or Waialua District Park, which are approximately 25 and 17 miles from Kahuku District Park respectively. As a result, the 15.86 acre Kahuku District Park represents one of the better public locations to construct these recreational facilities.
In November 2023, the City announced the release of $1.5 million in funding for the planning and development of the pool and recreation center at Kahuku District Park. This funding will be for the planning and design phase of the project, including: detailed architectural plans, engineering, and environmental assessments to ensure successful and sustainable facilities.
This investment was further bolstered by the support of Honolulu City Councilmember Matt Weyer and AES Hawai‘i, who pledged $5 million in funding support along with assistance from their consultant Group 70 International, Inc. This reflects a strong public-private partnership with a shared goal benefiting the Kahuku community and beyond.
In January 2024, the first community meeting specifically discussing this effort was held yielding excellent discussions on existing park use, community concerns, current project parameters, and expectations moving forward. The City is truly encouraged by the collaboration of the community and all of the stakeholders to realize the creation of new recreational facilities.
If you need an auxiliary aid/service, other accommodations due to a disability, or an interpreter for a language other than English in reference to this announcement, please contact the Honolulu Department of Parks and Recreation at (808) 768-3003 on weekdays from 7:45 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. or email parks@honolulu.gov at least three business days before the scheduled event. Without sufficient advanced notice, it may not be possible to fulfill requests.