Editorial: Kakaako parks handover

Even as the city upgrades Ala Moana Regional Park, it has set its sights on the green space next door — the Kakaako Makai parks, including Kakaako Waterfront Park.

The Hawaii Community Development Authority, which has been trying to unload the troublesome properties since early last year, voted on Sept. 4 to give the city up to $2.25 million; the money, to cover about a year’s worth of operations and maintenance of the parks, is part of a deal to convey the 41 acres to the city, which is expected to assume control and upkeep of the properties within the next couple of months.

It’s an arrangement that makes sense, at least on paper. HCDA, a development agency, has struggled to maintain the parks, especially as homeless squatters damaged restrooms and electrical equipment, and otherwise discouraged public enjoyment of the area.

HCDA also will have its hands full: It recently took on the Aloha Stadium district, 98 acres ripe for mixed-use development. It’s a project well-suited to HCDA’s mission and a critically important one, too.

The city already manages parks, and bringing the South Shore parks under one roof should be more efficient. The city also has law enforcement capabilities as well as coordinated social support programs to better manage the homeless problem.

It won’t be cheap. The city will have to hire additional groundskeeping staff and security, and an HCDA report said the city intends to spend $27.8 million in long-term improvements. But unlike the beloved Ala Moana park, whose users have resisted major changes, the Kakaako parks may offer more flexibility for use by community partners.