Ask the Mayor: When Will the Park on Waiale Drive Reopen?

File photo by Wendy Osher.

Mayor Alan Arakawa answers some of the questions submitted to his office staff.

Submit your own questions about County of Maui programs, services, operations or policies to Mayor Alan Arakawa via email at AskTheMayor@mauicounty.gov, call 270-7855 or send them by mail to 200 S. High St., 9th Floor, Wailuku, HI 96793. Questions submitted will be considered for inclusion in the “Ask the Mayor” column.

Dear Mayor:

Q: The park across from Maui Community Correctional Center on Waiale Drive continues to be closed to the public. Any idea when this may open up? The county took over maintenance of the park about a year ago, but the gates continue to be locked. Anything the community can do to get them opened?

The Kehalani community children, elders, animals and visitors really loved and enjoyed using this park for many years. It is a great resource and a fun park. Please help us get it opened!

A: According to our Parks Department, plans are underway to make this park a passive park with a gate entry.

No details are available on a timeline yet, but the public should keep in mind that this retention basin was not designed as a park, but as a means of flood prevention.