Deal clears way for Kilauea District Park programs to continue

HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) – Kilauea District Park facilities will remain under city ownership, management and operation following a land transfer to the state.

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Concerns were raised earlier this year following the passage of Senate Bill 2613, which transfers ownership of certain public-school lands to the Hawaii State Department of Education (HIDOE), including land that encompasses Kaimuki Middle School and adjacent park facilities.

Residents feared the transfer would void city permits for the park’s recreation center, impacting kupuna and keiki programs.

Under a memorandum of understanding signed by the HIDOE and the Honolulu Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR), the departments will work together to legally subdivide the property.

With separate ownership and management, officials say the city can continue operating the park and its community programs.

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“This agreement provides certainty for the community and ensures that both Kaimuki Middle School and Kilauea District Park can continue serving their important roles,” schools superintendent Keith Hayashi said.

“Providing our diverse communities with a variety of affordable recreational and educational opportunities is part of our shared kuleana,” DPR director Laura H. Thielen said. “This agreement ensures the existing programs the Kahala and Kaimuki communities have enjoyed for generations will remain available and easily accessible.”

DPR officials said the city has appropriated $400,000 to begin improvements to the gymnasium roof.

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