Tree planting marks first step in Aiea park revitalization

HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) – Dozens of trees were planted at an undeveloped ‘Aiea park this weekend.

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Thirty-four trees were planted Friday and Saturday in the open area of Halewikio Place through a collaboration among public, private, nonprofit and government organizations.

The planting is part of the Ke Ola O ‘Aiea ‘Ohana Park, or The Life of ‘Aiea Family Park, and is the first step in the ‘Aiea Community Association’s plan to revitalize the former sugar mill site.

“This is the first step in creating a new tree-filled greenspace for the ‘Aiea community, which will eventually be accompanied by additional plantings and a community center that has been desired by the ‘Aiea Community Association,” said Myles Ritchie, programs director with the Outdoor Circle.

The city said the future vision for the site will include a community center, outdoor play amenities and open turf space. It was designed by students and faculty from the University of Hawai‘i Landscape and Design Class.

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Claire Tamamoto, president of the ‘Aiea Community Association, said that the community’s kupuna who have passed on are “smiling to see this open space become a realization.”

“So many hands have touched this project from way back,” she added. “I am deeply grateful for all those who have helped and continue to keep this decades-old vision alive. We will remain committed to our slogan ‘building a sense of community’ for those kūpuna and the keiki of today and tomorrow.”

The city’s Division of Urban Forestry provided the trees through a $34,000 grant from the Laura Jane Musser Fund. The planted trees included milo, lonomea, crape myrtle, narra, manele, puakenikeni, wiliwili, colvillea, and a Moreton Bay fig tree.

Other organizations that helped coordinate and complete the tree planting include: City Councilmember Radiant Cordero, ‘Aiea Community Association, ‘Aiea Intermediate School, Ali’i Pauahi Hawaiian Civic Club, Aloha Lā Halewilikō Senior Housing, Outdoor Circle, Trees for Honolulu’s Future, University of Hawai’i Tropical Landscape & Human Interaction Lab & Dr. Andy Kaufman, the ‘Aiea Neighborhood Board, Pali Momi Medical Center, and Honolulu Community Action Program.

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