Design updates to be presented at community meeting for new pool, park improvements at Kahuku District Park
Meeting scheduled for Wednesday, January 21 beginning 6:30 p.m. in Kahuku Elementary’s Cafeteria
The City and County of Honolulu and consultant G70 are returning to Kahuku to provide updates on the effort to build a new pool, covered play court, and additional facilities at Kahuku District Park as part of a comprehensive park improvement effort. A community meeting to present the project’s current design elements is scheduled for Wednesday, January 21, 2026 beginning 6:30 p.m. at Kahuku Elementary School’s Cafeteria.
During the meeting, the fifth specifically for this effort, project consultant G70 and the Honolulu Department of Parks and Recreation will present schematics for approximately 30% of the project, along with a first visual look of these proposed facilities.
If you cannot attend the meeting, updates will continue to be available on the project’s dedicated website: bit.ly/kahukuforyou
This project began as a direct result of the Mayor’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. 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.
In 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 along with assistance from their consultant Group 70 International, Inc. This reflects a strong public-private partnership with a shared goal benefiting the Kahuku community and beyond.
In January 2024, the first community meeting specifically discussing this effort was held yielding discussions on existing park use, community concerns, current project parameters, and expectations moving forward. In 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. During the third community meeting, in October 2024, 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.
At the last community meeting in June 2025, the project’s timeline 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.
With the immense potential to enhance the recreational opportunities and community cohesion for park users in Kahuku, the City hopes these meetings will reflect 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. The City is truly encouraged by the collaboration of the community and all of the stakeholders to realize the creation of new recreational facilities. Mahalo for your contributions!
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