Mixed reaction after city sells mini-community park

HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) – A small public park in the middle of the city will no longer belong to the public.

The city council signed off on a sale that has some neighbors feeling suspicious.

Some Makiki residents had mixed feelings about the sale of the mini-park on Piikoi Street.

Opponents are worried about the fate of an old Monkeypod tree in the park, but those in favor hope the sale will improve the area.

“I haven’t seen any kids playing in it and it seems to be a magnet for homeless people,” said one resident who supports the sale.

After several failed attempts to revitalize the park, the city says it is selling it to RV Ventures, which owns homes next to it.

The city, based on its own appraisal, priced the 5,000-square-foot lot at $112,000.

Neighbor Amanda Kirby says it’s a mistake.

“Unfortunately, selling a fleet is like selling a car because you need an oil change. It doesn’t solve the problem and you’re giving such a huge resource to something that’s bigger than that,” Kirby said.

Kirby and others wanted to save the park.

She even applied for the Adopt-A-Park program in April.

However, a park spokesman said it was too late as the sale process was ongoing.

The Honolulu Parks Department points out that there are several park sites about half a kilometer away from Piikoi Street Minipark that offer many more park-related opportunities.

It also says it aims to expand parks and public property and has added several acres of land to its park inventory in recent years, such as one in Aina Hina.

When it comes to the sale of the Piikoi Street Minipark, public reaction has been mixed.

“I mean, again, the space is not being used for anything,” one resident said.

“Even though our homeless community uses this park, they are part of the community and should be able to have access to green spaces,” Kirby said.

The city says RV Ventures was the only one to express interest in the lot.

The company told the city council it plans to add a perimeter fence and beautify the area and has no plans to remove the large Monkeypod tree.

“There were a lot of promises from RV Ventures; I understand their concerns and the reason for privatizing the park, but not even a de facto restriction was allowed that would have protected this tree and this space from being changed or built on,” Kirby said.

The city council resolution states that no buildings are permitted on the lot, but adds that a rezoning could be possible if approved by the Honolulu Department of Permitting and Planning.

The Honolulu Parks Department says it generally welcomes volunteers who want to help maintain its parks.

While he would not engage in a long-term volunteer agreement with Kirby because the property is expected to be sold, he is willing to work with her on the immediate maintenance of the park until the sale is completed.

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