Question: In January, I called to ask about using Kapiolani Park softball fields Sunday afternoons for a church league and was told that the fields are all taken by “regulars.” I asked how we can get in on a Sunday and the girl said, “Cannot, because the people that are using the fields have been using it for years.” I checked online about the use of softball fields and it basically said the ball fields may be reserved for practices and games on a first-come-first-served basis. Could you check into this?

Answer: Officials with the city Department of Parks and Recreation confirmed that it should be a level playing field when it comes to reserving the ball fields.

No one group should be dominating use of the fields under the jurisdiction of the Parks Department, which includes Kapiolani Regional Park, unless there is no other demand.

“There is no differentiation in procedures between requesting for usage for weekdays or weekends (and) requests are based on availability of the facility,” said Todd Hiranaga, manager of the department’s East Honolulu District.

“The scheduling of requests is done as they are submitted, on a first-come, first-served basis in conjunction with (department) rules and regulations,” he said. The rules and regulations cover reserving softball fields for practices, games and tournaments.

Regarding “regulars” using the Kapiolani fields for years, Hiranaga said no groups are given special treatment.

“Although some of the Sunday user groups may be frequent permit holders, permits are still given on a first-come, first-serve basis,” he said.

Requests can be made 60 days before the start of a league, either by a phone call or by submitting a completed electronic or hardcopy request form.

“Soon after the request is received, the applicant will be notified as to whether or not the request can be accommodated or as to what the earliest available start date is,” Hiranaga said.

“We apologize for any misinformation given out to our park users,” he said. “All recreation staff should know the request procedures and should be able to explain the procedures to any requestors.”

He said officials will look into retraining or reorienting part-time staff “on proper responses to the public.”

RESERVING BASEBALL FIELDS

For softball practices, use of ball fields at Kapiolani Park is limited to 1 1⁄2 hours per night, per week for a maximum 30-day period. Fields may be reserved for practices on a first-come, first-served basis beginning the 30th calendar day before the first practice day. The actual day may depend if the 30th day falls on a weekend or holiday.

The policy also states: “The same league or teams may not obtain back-to-back practice permits for the same lighted ball field, unless there is no demand for that ball field 14 calendar days prior to the expiration of the practice permit.”

Meanwhile, use of softball fields for games are limited to a maximum six-month period. Ball fields may be reserved for league games on a first-come, first-served basis beginning the 60th calendar day prior to the first game day.

The complete policy for softball and other recreation facilities can be found on the department’s website, www1.honolulu.gov/parks/rules/index1.htm. Click on “recreational activities.”

MAHALO

To the good Samaritan who called 911 after our mom, who was missing from her care home, fell near Dole Intermediate School on Jan. 16. We are forever grateful for your help in helping us find her! We also sincerely thank Honolulu police officer Reid Tagamori and the staff at HPD’s missing persons section for their very quick action in helping to find our mom. You all did a really, really great job! — Kamiya family

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