Ask The Mayor: What’s Planned for South Maui Community Park?

Maui County Mayor Michael Victorino answers some of the most-asked questions submitted to his staff.

Q: What are the three concepts being mulled for the South Maui Community Park? I read that all of the concepts include a small amphitheater, walking paths and a sports field. Will there also be more parking?

A: I am very excited for this much-needed project in our South Maui community and I am more than happy to share the three proposed concepts. I’d like to add that all of the options also include more parking, open space and sports courts for pickleball, tennis and/or basketball.

The first concept focuses on meeting community needs for adult sports facilities and calls for soccer and baseball fields. However, this option comes with the highest construction costs, requires substantial site grading and modifications, and has the greatest demand for parking.

The second concept focuses on providing recreational opportunities for the broadest range of age groups and abilities. This option emphasizes a flexible community events area and multi-use open space, while still meeting the community’s need for a full-size regulation soccer field.

The third concept focuses on balancing dedicated sport facilities with a variety of alternative recreational opportunities, but excludes the baseball field. This option also includes a dog park divided into separate spaces for big and small dogs, as well as a picnic area.

These options were prepared with the help of a seven-person advisory committee comprised of South Maui residents. The group represents a broad range of interests and perspectives and their insights were invaluable in developing the options.

I’d like to remind everyone that this master plan update concentrates on the undeveloped portion of the park, between the new, under-construction South Maui gymnasium and East Welakahao Road.

I highly encourage all South Maui residents to provide their comments on the three concepts during the Department of Parks and Recreation’s open house from 4:30 to 7 p.m. on Thursday at the Kenolio Recreation Center. You can drop by anytime. Parks staff will provide sketches of the concepts and times when residents may talk with the project’s design team and county staff.

For more information, please call parks department planner David Yamashita at 270-6508 or email david.yamashita@mauicounty.gov.

Want to ask the Mayor?

Submit your Maui County related questions to Mayor Michael Victorino by email at AskTheMayor@mauicounty.gov, by phone at (808) 270-7855 or via mail to 200 S. High Street, ninth floor, Wailuku, Hawaiʻi 96793.

Questions submitted will be considered for inclusion in the “Ask the Mayor” column.