Pilot project to secure closed park facilities begins

News Release from City and County of Honolulu, April 12, 2018

Honolulu – A pilot project to secure park facilities during park closure hours has begun in Urban Honolulu.

The Honolulu Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR) has contracted a security company to secure access at designated city parks, locking parking areas and/or comfort stations that have established park closure hours.

Approximately 25 city parks within DPR Districts 1 (East Honolulu) and District 2 (West Honolulu), stretching from the Kaiwi Coastline to ‘Aiea, are included in this project. The following parks were selected for this pilot project as many are in close proximity to another park, providing for a good test comparison of effectiveness against illegal activity in our parks:

District 1 (East Honolulu) 

• Sandy Beach Park
• Koko Head District Park
• Waiʻalae Beach Park 
• Wilson Community Park
• Petrie Community Park
• Kapāolono Community Park
• Pālolo Valley District Park
• Crane Community Park
• Kānewai Community Park
• Old Stadium Park
• Ala Wai Neighborhood Park
• Ala Wai Community Park

District 2 (West Honolulu)

• Dole Community Park
• Smith-Beretania Park
• ʻAʻala Park
• Beretania Community Park
• Kauluwela Mall
• Na Pueo Mini Park
• Loʻi Kalo Mini Park
• Kalihi Uka Community Park
• Fern Community Park
• Keʻehi Lagoon Park 
• Moanalua Community Park
• Ala Puʻumalu Community Park
• Salt Lake District Park

Site locations are subject to change due to renovation or restoration projects. Access to the Koko Head Shooting Complex will also be secured during this pilot project by park staff.   

“Keeping our park facilities safe, clean, and in working order has been a top priority of my administration, the dedicated staff within the Department of Parks and Recreation, and the fine officers of the Honolulu Police Department,” said Mayor Kirk Caldwell. “I hope this pilot project will be successful in keeping our parks and communities safe, and to help curb damage from vandalism and graffiti, as similar operations are explored for our rural communities.”

The pilot project is scheduled to run until the end of June 2018, at which time DPR will review and assess the outcome.

The security work has been contracted to American Guard Services, Inc. for $25,916. Security personnel with the contractor will operate in clearly marked vehicles and uniforms, and have designated procedures for securing the park. Those include alerting members of the public of the immediate closure and coordinating with Honolulu Police and DPR staff should a situation require further enforcement.

Park staff are responsible for reopening the facility the following morning.

During the project period, the closures will be conducted seven-days a week, including holidays.

-PAU-