Weekday regulars at Kilauea District Park’s recreation center in Kaimukī say a quiet paperwork shift at the Capitol could blow up the heart of their daily routine. The retirees, who pack the center for ping-pong, mahjong, adult dance and aerobics, warn that a proposed state land transfer could erase the programs that keep them moving and social. They are now urging the governor to stop legislation they say would hand control of the land beneath the gym and recreation center to a new landlord with very different priorities.
According to Hawaii News Now, retirees are asking the governor to veto Senate Bill 2613, arguing that the ownership shift could void city permits that currently allow kupuna programs during the day and keiki programs after school. A House committee recently amended the bill to specifically include Kaimukī Middle School, which shares land and parking with the park’s gym and recreation center.
What the bill would change
SB2613 would direct the conveyance of fee-simple title for dozens of school parcels to the Department of Education and requires the DOE to accept properties “in their existing condition,” language that also releases certain claims and liabilities by the previous owner. The bill also amends state law governing school buildings so the DOE could adopt rules and issue licenses, revocable permits and fee schedules for the use of school grounds, which supporters say would streamline maintenance while critics worry could shift who decides how community groups use the spaces. The bill text is available from the Hawaii State Legislature.
Residents and officials spar over repairs, permits
In a statement to Hawaii News Now, state Rep. Mark Hashem said the amendment’s intent was to help repair and maintain the facility without disrupting programs, pointing to long-running problems such as roof leaks and failing bleachers. Hawaii News Now also quotes Honolulu Department of Parks and Recreation spokesman Nate Serota saying the city “very much treasure[s] this facility” and wants to keep it within the parks inventory. The outlet notes that the committee’s changes do not include repair language or dedicated funding, so upgrades are not guaranteed even if the transfer moves forward.
What comes next
Park users say they will press the governor and their legislators for explicit protections before any transfer is allowed to proceed. The bill text shows the act would take effect upon approval, meaning changes could begin once the governor signs it; the full language is available from the Hawaii State Legislature.
Until then, seniors say they want written guarantees that programs, not just building repairs, will be protected if control of the land changes hands. Community advocates plan to keep up pressure on lawmakers and the governor to make sure both kupuna and keiki keep a place to gather, play and grow.
