Vision for Paradise Park deserves public support

I strongly believe that the new vision for Manoa Valley, via the planned reopening of Paradise Park, would embrace the greatness of this Waikiki ahupua‘a by providing locals and visitors opportunities to explore its history and physical environment, as told by kupuna as well as through Hawaiian traditions of hula, oli, mele and mo‘olelo.

Hawaiian plants would enhance the vegetation of the environment. This new vision focuses on Manoa through Halau Manoa’s mission to develop, promote and present authentic cultural activities by creating experiences that encompass Hawaii’s environment, art and culture of this ahu-pua‘a, which extends from the oceans of Waikiki deep into the valley of Manoa to the mountains of Ko‘olau.

It is my understanding that these plans were approved in October 2014; however, due to community response to issues raised over the years — and more recently, other comments — the approval process has been delayed.

Manoa is rich in history and is probably one of the most populated ahupua‘a in all of Hawaii.

I and Puakea Nogelmeier, who teaches Hawaiian language at the University of Hawaii and has oversight of literature and history at the university’s Kawaihuelani Center, have reviewed the plan laid out by Paradise Park and James Wong. We are most impressed with its detailed plan and execution, which would help share Manoa’s history as well as perpetuate the richness of hula and Hawaii’s home culture.

The Wongs have been custodians of the property for nearly 50 years, and I fully support their vision to help clean up the invasive albizia and other unwanted vegetation from their property as they replant various gardens of native flora and fauna. Manoa Falls has over 200,000 visitors annually, and it would be a blessing for them to not only see the beauty of this part of Hawaii but also learn of our history and culture.

Very little has been said about what Paradise Park has done to help the back side of Manoa. The state Department of Land and Natural Resources needs to acknowledge that Paradise Park has opened its facilities to Manoa Falls hikers.

If it were not for its willingness to provide restroom facilities to complement the limited number of portables at the trailhead, who knows what kinds of challenges would be faced by the trail environment.

Although not required to, Paradise Park provides a wash station to promote washing of hiking shoes so as not to spread invasive seedlings to other areas of Hawaii or abroad.

It has opened a portion of its parking lot to hikers to alleviate a problem along Manoa Road; and though not legally obligated to, it has maintained the foliage along the narrow roadway leading to Paradise Park.

It is my hope that members of the Manoa Neighborhood Board and the state Board of Land and Natural Resources understand how much Paradise Park has done in helping the state deal with visitors in this part of Manoa Valley. Contrary to negative comments and unsubstantiated criticisms, the park’s willingness to maintain the beauty of this part of the valley, to provide for hikers and to work with its neighbors hardly makes it a bad neighbor.

Perhaps those providing criticism are unaware that Paradise Park has been a good steward. Perhaps those providing criticism are unaware of the history and culture of Manoa and don’t understand what is needed for this special place. Letting it go and doing nothing to preserve this special place would be a big mistake.

Give the Wong family the opportunity to create a living museum where our local families and our visitors can learn about Manoa’s rich history, further their understanding of our Hawaiian culture and enjoy the mo‘olelo through oli, mele and hula.

Oswald K. Stender, of Kailua, is a longtime business executive and community activist.