Koko Crater Stables (KCS) was established in Koko Crater approximately 55 years ago, and it is the last hint of the ranching and paniolo heritage that existed in Maunalua before suburbanization started Hawaii Kai in the early 1960s.

The 10-acre stables ground lies within the Koko Crater Botanical Garden, which is under the administration of the city Department of Parks and Recreation.

The land where Koko Head Regional Park is located includes Koko Head, Koko Crater, Hanauma Bay and adjacent lands deeded to the city by Kamehameha Schools in the 1920s with the stipulation that these lands be available to the community and general public for recreational uses.

Unfortunately, times have been difficult for KCS in recent years, with the loss of the horseback riding trail and the age-related deterioration of the barns on the property.

Issues include the city’s denial of the 2-mile horseback trail ride in Koko Crater and the forbidding of designated stables staff to live 24/7 on the grounds cottage, which had been placed there decades ago.

The city disallowed trail use about eight years ago around the time the Department of Enterprise Services took over the administration of the stables concession. The Parks and Recreation Department had administered the lease prior to then.

Since this time, concern has been raised with the city that the lease terms and limitations imposed do not allow for a viable stables operation and are limiting the public’s enjoyment of this unique recreational resource.

The city has not adequately explained the denial of the crater’s 2-mile trail, other than to say it has liability concerns.

Are these liability concerns justification for the trail’s removal for horseback riding when the stables had a 40-plus-years track record of no property damage in the crater’s botanical gardens, and never any incidence of personal injury to any horseback rider or a pedestrian hiker on the trail?

Why this concern over liability with horses on the trail when Koko Head Regional Park also has Hanauma Bay, a rifle range and an old trolley trail hike? All valuable assets in the park but which present risks.

There is inconsistency regarding the city’s singling out of horseback riding.

Other concerns such as horse manure (which the gardens could use) and erosion could be mitigated with community kuleana in the crater and soil conservation best-management practices.

Regarding the cottage that has been used by KCS staff for decades, the city offers no explanation other than to say that the cottage is no longer part of the contract. Hence, it is no longer available for use. This prevents KCS from having staff present 24/7 to monitor the horses.

The city’s offer to use a centipede-infested supply room for staff to stay in 24/7 and the possibility of a new trail are inadequate. The supply room is a safety issue to inhabit and a 5-year lease is not enough time to gain all the government approvals that would be necessary to clear a new trail.

The city claims that it has no intention of shutting the stables down; however, its actions seem to suggest otherwise and indicate a slow death to one of this community’s valued, unique recreational resources and historic locations.

The Maunalua community can only hope that KCS will continue and carry on this legacy, as the current long-time operator is retiring due to the stable’s lease difficulties.

Also, it’s hoped that the City Council will address inadequacies in the city’s procurement of the stable’s concession.