Time to downsize Kukuihaele Park proposal

Sierra Club urges Hawaii County to reconsider plans for Kukuihaele Park in light of community opposition, cost concerns and the ability of county’s parks and recreation staff to service and maintain what we already have. This is a project that is out of scale. If there is a pressing need for an organized sports field, a more appropriate location should be found where the roads and water infrastructure can better support it. This would help bring the cost down as well.

The park is a jewel — a gorgeous view of Waipio Valley from four acres of open space. The huge baseball/softball field, 18-foot high backstop fence, and dugouts now proposed are drastic alterations that would mar the natural beauty of the park and its surroundings. They would also preempt space now used for walking, jogging, soccer, football, Frisbee, and other recreation. Proposed lighting may ruin stargazing and disturb neighbors. Fruit trees would be cut down.

Baseball games of regional or islandwide significance will increase traffic on Kukuihaele Village Road. Planned parking would be insufficient, so cars could park on the road, hampering traffic and emergency access. Waipio Valley visitors seeking restrooms may bring more traffic.

Questions have been raised about the County’s ability to maintain the planned facilities, when there are sometimes problems maintaining even the existing park. The county water supply may be insufficient.

Environmental law may not have been followed, since bids were solicited before the DEA comment period closed, and the simultaneous development of Waipio Lookout without restrooms or sufficient parking was not adequately considered.

Other baseball/softball fields are available and/or planned in Waimea and nearby Haina Park. We call for a comprehensive look at full impacts of the proposed project, and thoughtful consideration of alternatives for this special and beautiful place.

Nelson Ho is the chair of Sierra Club, Moku Loa Group in Hilo.