Ask the Mayor: Why Does Kīhei Park Look Like Mohave Desert?

Mayor Alan Arakawa answers some of the most-asked questions submitted to his staff.

Dear Mayor Alan Arakawa,

Q: Last December in “Ask the Major,” you stated the Waipuilani Park renovation is to be completed and watering system should start within 60 days, after the solar panels were installed by the end of February of this year.

The solar panels were installed three months ago. There is still no watering of the grass taken place. The park is dusty and the grass is brown.

As a homeowner, a taxpayer and a resident of Maui who lives by Waipuilani Park, I would like a straight answer from your office as to when the county is going to water the park.

Now the park is like a little Mohave Desert in Kīhei. Please advise. Thank you, Mr. Mayor.

A: You are correct, but we ran into some delays involving the contractor that have since been resolved. The county Department of Environmental Management will be checking the irrigation lines this month to make sure they are ready to go and the park should be much greener in June.

Submit your own questions about County of Maui programs, services, operations or policies to Mayor Alan Arakawa at AskTheMayor@mauicounty.gov, (808) 270-7855 or mail them to 200 S. High St., 9th Floor, Wailuku, HI 96793.