Question: For the past couple of weeks, construction workers working on the Ala Moana Center expansion project have been parking at Ala Moana Beach Park, leaving very little parking for beachgoers. Their vehicles will remain in the parking spaces until 3:30 p.m., at least. We typically arrive at the park around 6:45 a.m., and many of the spaces are already taken. There is no turnover of parking spaces for beachgoers until late afternoon. Can’t General Growth Properties designate an area for these workers?
Answer: General Growth Properties already has opened up parking spaces for construction workers, Francis Cofran, senior general manager of Ala Moana Center, said Monday.
Parking by non-parkgoers is a problem Kokua Line has addressed previously not just at Ala Moana, but other parks as well. (See bit.ly/1pzHs67.)
But enforcement is difficult. In this latest situation, the Honolulu Police Department said that officers would check the park "as staffing permits" but said that "it’s often difficult to determine whether a vehicle belongs to a park user unless the officer actually sees the driver park his/her car then immediately walk or catch a ride out of the park."
However, it should be easier to find parking now.
"Approximately two weeks ago it was brought to our attention that complaints were made to HPD regarding construction workers parking at the beach park," Cofran said.
Since then the construction companies working on the Ewa expansion, ONE Ala Moana Condominium and now the Park Lane Ala Moana condominium project have been allotted designated parking areas for their construction workers at Ala Moana Center, he said.
Additionally, contractors Albert C. Kobayashi Inc. and Hawaiian Dredging and Construction Co. have designated off-site parking for subcontractors.
"Since receiving the complaint, the companies have all been reminded that their employees are not to be parking at Ala Moana Beach Park," Cofran said. The filed complaints have since been closed with HPD, he said.
Tomorrow: Parking requirements at Ala Moana.
Question: I am happy to report that the various contract vendors have moved out of the large parcel of property at Pensacola Street and Kapiolani Boulevard. Back in the day this was used by Kapiolani Community College. Then, many contractors used it to store dirt and equipment. What an eyesore, and so noisy early in the day for residents who live across the street. Who owns the vacant parcel and who will be moving in? Will it turn into a nice green park for residents to use, or will another condo be built in the Kakaako area?
Answer: There are no plans to turn that parcel into a park or condominium development.
Although the fee title to the property belongs to the Land Management Division of the state Department of Land and Natural Resources, Executive Order 101 turned it over to the Department of Education for McKinley High School.
The parcel is part of the McKinley High Athletic Complex redevelopment and master plan, said DOE spokesman Alex Da Silva.
The DOE released the master plan in 2011, envisioning a $121 million joint school-community complex to include a two-story YMCA center with pool and parking spaces; a new gymnasium; relocation of the track/football and baseball fields; replacement of the tennis courts; a girls softball field and locker room; and an indoor rifle range.
Nothing has yet been done, and a YMCA complex was said to be unlikely.
"It’s a long-range plan as work is contingent on available funds," Da Silva said.
However, there are no interim plans for the parcel.
"Initial site analysis is being conducted, and work on the athletic complex should begin late this year," Da Silva said.
Mahalo
To a special hero, who found our keys and placed them in just the right place for us at Costco. My husband, 86, is grateful for the time and care you gave. We hope to help others in return. — Ever Thankful
Write to “Kokua Line” at Honolulu Star-Advertiser, 7 Waterfront Plaza, Suite 210, 500 Ala Moana Blvd., Honolulu 96813; call 529-4773; fax 529-4750; or email kokualine@staradvertiser.com.
