HCDA cites repeated vandalism at Kakaʻako dog park, plans temporary closure; vertical turbine installed for wind research

Hawaiʻi Community Development Authority staff told the Kakaʻako Authority on May 7 that the dog park near Ala Moana has suffered repeated vandalism and that the agency will close the large side of the park from May 12 to June 9 to allow grass to recover.

Executive Director Craig Nakamoto described multiple incidents including broken irrigation boxes, damaged gates and ripped-out sprinkler heads. “These are not just pranks. These are crimes,” Nakamoto said, adding that staff are filing reports with police and have spoken with the district commander.

Nakamoto said the agency has instructed its security contractor to heighten patrols and is considering installing surveillance cameras, though staff raised questions about monitoring and privacy. He also said the agency will seek prosecution if perpetrators are identified: “If the perpetrator is found, I mean, definitely, we're gonna push for prosecution of of these crimes,” Nakamoto said.

Staff said the large dog park will close May 12–June 9 to reseed and rehabilitate turf; the closure has been posted and some community stakeholders have signaled support for periodic closures for maintenance. Board members suggested community policing and potential “adopt-a-park” or volunteer stewardship programs as supplementary measures.

Separately, Nakamoto told the board that Canola Winds (referred to in the meeting) completed installation of a vertical wind turbine adjacent to the entrepreneurs’ sandbox at Leahi. The turbine is operational for data collection and research, though it is not producing electricity to the grid. Staff said an LCD display showing generation data will be installed and that the developer/operator is using the data for research purposes.

The board received the informational reports; no action was taken.