HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) – Retirees who use Kilauea District Park’s recreation center are asking the governor to veto a bill that would transfer the city-owned property to the state, saying the change could eliminate their daily programs.

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If Senate Bill 2613 is signed into law, city permits would be void, affecting kupuna programs during the day and keiki programs after school hours.

Kilauea District Park is packed with activities on weekdays including ping pong, adult dance and aerobics. But participants said they are fearful their daily gatherings are at risk.

“The camaraderie. It just brings the people together because there’s no other large facilities to hold that kind of venue nearby,” said Marilyn Wong.

May Lau who socializes there and teaches mahjong said she also opposes the land grab.

“I understand the property underneath the schools, but you don’t go taking this away from seniors,” Lau said.

Bill amended to include park property

If the governor signs the bill, ownership of the land under dozens of schools would transfer from other agencies to the state Department of Education to streamline projects.

A House committee amended the original bill to include Kaimuki Middle School, which shares the land with neighboring Kilauea District Park’s gym, recreation center and parking lot.

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Nate Serota said the city wants to keep ownership of those.

“We very much treasure this facility and we very much want to keep it within our parks inventory. You’ve seen for yourself not only the amount of activity, but the passion that the park users have towards this facility and the love that they have for the staff that organize these events,” Serota said.

Wong said losing the facility would be devastating. “That would be terribly sad. I don’t know where else we’re going to.”

Repairs needed, but not guaranteed

In a statement, state Rep. Mark Hashem, chair of the House Committee on Water and Land, which added the middle school to the bill, said the initial intent was to help repair and maintain the facility without disrupting any programs.

“For years, my son (who attends Kaimuki Middle School), constituents, and sports teams have raised concerns about unsafe conditions, including broken bleachers, severe leaks, and collapsing ceiling tiles,” the statement continued. “This facility is finally receiving the attention it deserves, rather than continued inaction, which is both appropriate and necessary.”

While the recreation center and gym do need work, the changes Hashem’s committee made to the legislation do not mention repairs and do not include funding. Therefore, repairs are not guaranteed.

“If it doesn’t protect the people using the facilities, take it back. Fix it. Don’t let it go through,” Lau said.

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Park users are now hoping the governor will veto the bill altogether.