Committee advances public infrastructure map symbol for proposed Royal Kunia park

The Zoning Committee amended Resolution 25-88 to CD1 and reported it out, adding a public infrastructure map symbol to identify a potential park site in the Royal Kunia neighborhood of Waipahu and to align a parcel with existing capital improvement program (CIP) funding.

Council member Weier, who introduced the resolution and the CD1 amendment, described the PIM as a nonbinding map symbol that “isn't making a commitment by the city for a particular project, but it's just identifying this location and facilitating discussion over the course of the next couple years, for the Department of Parks and Recreation to review and evaluate the appropriateness of this particular parcel for a park location.” He said the amendment followed a community meeting and requests from nearby property owners to remove certain addresses from parcel 1.

Director Dawn Takeuchi Apuna said the administration had no objections to the proposed CD1. The committee took no in-person or remote testimony on the item. Members noted community concerns that motivated the proposal, including lack of maintenance and occasional homeless encampments on the parcel and the absence of a maintained firebreak.

The committee chair recommended and the committee adopted the CD1 and reported Resolution 25-88 out for adoption. The PIM addition does not appropriate funds itself but is required under ROH chapter 4, article 8 before council appropriation may follow for construction of a proposed facility.

The action creates a mapping designation that allows the Department of Parks and Recreation to proceed with evaluations and continue coordination with CIP budgeting and community outreach. The administration and council members signaled they will continue communicating with neighbors during future planning and CIP processes.