GOVERNOR IGE TAKES NEW STEPS TO ENFORCE KAKAʻAKO MAKAI PARK HOURS

News Release from Office of the Governor,Oct 30, 2017

HONOLULU – Gov. David Ige is taking new steps to enforce the park closure hours in Kakaʻako Makai so the public can enjoy these parks during their normal hours of operation.

The governor has directed Ford Fuchigami to make this his highest priority in his new role as administrative director. Gov. Ige announced that Fuchigami will provide ongoing oversight and direction to all state departments and agencies involved.

In addition, the governor announced that the Hawaiʻi Community Development Authority (HCDA) is moving forward with new procedures that will allow its private security company to coordinate/provide outreach to address shelter vacancy and property storage action in accordance with Ninth Circuit Court case law that addresses constitutional rights. This is a significant change that will allow the state’s deputy sheriffs to respond to criminal trespass complaints made by HCDA in the Kakaʻako Makai parks.

“The situation that led to the park closures is unacceptable, and I expect to get different results in Kakaʻako Makai going forward,” Gov. Ige said. “We will continue to make changes as necessary to maintain access to and safety in our public spaces. In the Kakaʻako Makai parks, this means we will be enforcing park hours for everyone on the basis of conduct, not housing status.”

The parks reopening today are:

• Kewalo Basin Park from 5:30 am to 10 pm
• Gateway Park from 6 am to 10 pm
• Point Panic area of Waterfront Park from 6 am to 10 pm

Repair and maintenance work at Waterfront Park are ongoing, and that area will remain closed until the work is done.

What’s happening in Kakaʻako is part of a larger state effort to maintain access to and safety on state lands. Other enforcement activities are underway at the Nimitz Viaduct, along the H-1 freeway and Nimitz Highway corridors, and on DLNR properties such as Diamond Head, Sand Island, and Kalihi Stream.

Gov. Ige emphasized that the state’s teams are acting compassionately and legally. He acknowledged that people must choose to accept services and shelter (This is the crux of the problem--Editor), and praised the work of the Family Assessment Center and Next Step shelter in helping families and individuals move from homelessness to homes.

Link to map of Kakaʻako Makai parks: KAKAAKO-PARK.jpg

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