HCDA monthly report: Kakaʻako dog park vandalism, signage plans and Block L warehouse status

The Hawaiʻi Community Development Authority's monthly report on April 2 included operations updates on the recently opened Kakaʻako dog park, plans for signage and a brief status update on the warehouse known as Block L.

Executive Director Craig Nakamoto said the dog park had experienced vandalism to an irrigation timer that disrupted watering for several days and damage to gates. "We fixed that, replaced the lock to make it, prevented from getting, you know, the irrigation box from being open," Nakamoto said. Staff said they are working with landscape contractors to correct watering balance and to address yellowing patches on the turf.

Staff also said HCDA is procuring a set of signs for the park, including signs that indicate dogs are not allowed on the children's play surfacing and other perimeter signage. "We will be installing those signs kind of around the perimeter, and hopefully people respect, you know, the signs and keep their dog off," Nakamoto said.

On Block L (the warehouse that previously housed Reuse Hawaiʻi), staff said the Office of Hawaiian Affairs had terminated previous arrangements for shared space and that the site is being evaluated for commercial redevelopment. Nakamoto said Next Step Shelter and Reuse Hawaiʻi had been sharing the building and that reuse operations had relocated; staff reported the warehouse is being considered for other commercial uses.

The report was informational; no board action was required. Staff said they will continue maintenance work at the dog park and pursue the planned procurement for signage.