For comments on the proposed project design please email: kahukucc@g70.design
With the immense potential to enhance the recreational opportunities and community cohesion in Kahuku, the City continues to engage the community and update this website to better understand the values and priorities of the community as we consider a variety of perspectives. These meetings also provide a level of transparency and inclusivity, helping to create a sense of ownership among all participants as they collaborate with the various stakeholders in this effort.
It has been very encouraging to see the amount of community interest and participation in the three meetings we have held thus far on the project. Rest assured, we absolutely plan on having more meetings to provide both updates on the project and solicit input from the community regarding the project. In fact, we plan on returning to Kahuku Elementary School at least three times for these meetings as the Master Plan design is 30 percent, 60 percent, and 90 percent complete. Details of additional outreach are described in the timeline below.
For information on making City parks, including Kahuku District Park, friendlier for dog kahu click here!
Table of Contents
Current Project Timeline
- January to June 2025 - Pre-Design Studies
- June 2025 - Start Environmental Assessment (EA)
- Fall 2025 - 30% design completed, Public Meeting
- Early 2026 - 60% design completed, Public Meeting
- February 2026 - Draft EA Issued (30-day review)
- Summer 2026 - Design / Final EA Complete
- Late Summer 2026 - Permit Process Begins
Draft Master & Entitlement Plans
During the June 2025 community meeting, the below Entitlement Plan was provided to clarify the near-term goals for improvements and new facilities at Kahuku District Park. This plan will be submitted for review under the Environmental Assessment (EA) process. The Draft Master Plan below outlines additional park amenities possible for future development.
At the October 2024 community meeting, G70 presented the first proposal of the draft master plan after combining recommendations from community members during the prior meeting. Attendees then refined the proposal, delivering cohesive recommendations for improvements and upgrades they want to see at Kahuku District Park. That proposal, in conjunction with the below draft master plan, included:
- City funds are expected to be used for the proposed 50-meter, 8-lane pool and adjacent parking lot, while AES funds are expected to be used for either the meeting room or covered play courts. All four community groups at the meeting preferred covered play courts instead of a meeting room. The pool and covered play court projects can be done simultaneously, but will be phased due to the different funding sources.
- The red dotted lines represent other potential projects including: a parking lot along Pualalea Street, playcourt expansion, recreation center on the existing Kahuku Village Association site, and expanding the existing skatepark
- The skate park expansion is proposed to be part of a private-public partnership with 808 Skate, and will not take funds away from the other proposed projects.
- The yellow dotted lines represent the existing fields, currently used for a variety of activities. The goal is to not impact these open spaces, and keep them as is.
Project Background
The closest City swimming pools for the Ko‘olauloa communities are located either at Kāne‘ohe District Park or Waialua District Park, which are approximately 25 and 17 miles from Kahuku District Park respectively. As a result, the 15.86 acre Kahuku District Park represents one of the better public locations to construct these recreational facilities.
This project came as a direct result of the Mayor Blangiardi’s April 20, 2023 Town Hall meeting in Lāʻie, where residents shared their long-standing desire for a full-sized public pool and recreation center. Since then, the City and consultant G70 have returned to the community several times to gather input and provide updates of the project. A description of those meetings, and important announcements, is below:
June 2025
During the fourth community meeting, the Project’s Timeline (above) was provided and explained before the community members presented what kind of programming and specific amenities they want offered in the new park facilities. They included, but were no limited to: water polo, learn-to-swim, water aerobics, lap swim, senior activities, solar-powered lighting, shading, and park access for dog owners. An example of the covered play court from Wailuku, Maui was also presented as a preferred option for the park’s outdoor courts. These covered play courts would include lighting, and fencing.
October 2024
During the third community meeting approximately three dozen participants were present to view and discuss the Draft Master Plan created by G70 based on the previous community meetings. A copy of that Draft Master Plan is above. All four community groups at the meeting preferred covered play courts instead of a meeting room. The pool and covered play court projects can be done simultaneously, but will be phased due to the different funding sources.
September 2024
The second community meeting tasked about 50 attendees, in four smaller groups, to explore how the park can potentially fit a 25-meter, 50-meter, and/or kiddie pool, the supporting pool facilities (pump room, bleachers, showers, etc.), a recreation center, and additional parking. To the left are the layouts the four groups proposed at the meeting (click on the pictures to view a larger, higher quality version):
January 2024
The first community meeting specifically discussing this effort was held yielding excellent discussions on existing park use, community concerns, current project parameters, and expectations moving forward. The meeting highlighted the collaboration of the community and all of the stakeholders to realize the creation of new recreational facilities. Watch the meeting in its entirety with the archived video to the right.
November 2023
The City announced the release of $1.5 million in funding for the planning and development of the pool and recreation center at Kahuku District Park. This funding will be for the planning and design phase of the project, including: detailed architectural plans, engineering, and environmental assessments to ensure successful and sustainable facilities. This investment was further bolstered by the support of Honolulu City Councilmember Matt Weyer and AES Hawai‘i, who pledged $5 million in funding support along with assistance from their consultant G70. This reflects a strong public-private partnership with a shared goal benefiting the Kahuku community and beyond.
Old Park Master Plan (1980)
