City Responds to Damaged Sidewalk on Waipahu Street
After concerns were brought to our office about a large City tree on Waipahu Street near Hans L'Orange Neighborhood Park, we worked with the City Administration and the Department of Planning and Permitting to investigate the issue.
The inspection confirmed that the tree's roots have lifted and damaged the public asphalt sidewalk, creating hazardous cracks for pedestrians. A work request has been submitted to the Department of Facility Maintenance for sidewalk repairs.
The investigation also found that damage to the adjacent perimeter wall involves private property. Homeowners seeking compensation for property damage may file a claim with the City's Department of Corporation Counsel.
If you notice infrastructure or maintenance concerns in District 9, please don't hesitate to contact our office. We are committed to helping connect residents with the appropriate City departments and working to keep our neighborhoods safe and well maintained.
City Responds to Damaged Sidewalk on Waipahu Street
After concerns were brought to our office about a large City tree on Waipahu Street near Hans L'Orange Neighborhood Park, we worked with the City Administration and the Department of Planning and Permitting to investigate the issue.
The inspection confirmed that the tree's roots have lifted and damaged the public asphalt sidewalk, creating hazardous cracks for pedestrians. A work request has been submitted to the Department of Facility Maintenance for sidewalk repairs.
The investigation also found that damage to the adjacent perimeter wall involves private property. Homeowners seeking compensation for property damage may file a claim with the City's Department of Corporation Counsel.
If you notice infrastructure or maintenance concerns in District 9, please don't hesitate to contact our office. We are committed to helping connect residents with the appropriate City departments and working to keep our neighborhoods safe and well maintained.
Improvements Underway at Waipahu District Park Tennis Courts
Our office worked with the Department of Parks and Recreation after receiving concerns about overgrown tree branches and inadequate lighting at the tennis courts in Waipahu District Park.
Residents reported that several park lights were either inoperative or blocked by large monkeypod tree branches, creating dark areas on the courts and making one court unusable after sunset. Overhanging limbs were also interfering with play, with high lobs frequently striking the branches.
In response, the Department of Parks and Recreation's Division of Urban Forestry inspected the trees and determined that maintenance was appropriate. On June 22, crews pruned one monkeypod tree over the tennis courts and will return to complete selective pruning of the second tree by the end of July.
While repairs to the park lighting remain pending due to a backlog of electrical work, our office continues to advocate for these improvements. Restoring proper lighting and maintaining the trees will help improve both public safety and the overall experience for everyone who uses the park.
Improvements Underway at Waipahu District Park Tennis Courts
Our office worked with the Department of Parks and Recreation after receiving concerns about overgrown tree branches and inadequate lighting at the tennis courts in Waipahu District Park.
Residents reported that several park lights were either inoperative or blocked by large monkeypod tree branches, creating dark areas on the courts and making one court unusable after sunset. Overhanging limbs were also interfering with play, with high lobs frequently striking the branches.
In response, the Department of Parks and Recreation's Division of Urban Forestry inspected the trees and determined that maintenance was appropriate. On June 22, crews pruned one monkeypod tree over the tennis courts and will return to complete selective pruning of the second tree by the end of July.
While repairs to the park lighting remain pending due to a backlog of electrical work, our office continues to advocate for these improvements. Restoring proper lighting and maintaining the trees will help improve both public safety and the overall experience for everyone who uses the park.
Community Shares Ideas for Future of Former Don Quijote Property
A community member recently shared ideas for the future redevelopment of the former Don Quijote property in Waipahu, suggesting the site become a vibrant community marketplace instead of a large retail store. While recognizing ongoing discussions about a possible Costco Business Center, the resident noted that another large commercial development could add to traffic in an already heavily traveled area.
Instead, the resident proposed creating a modern marketplace inspired by the former ʻOhana Marketplace, featuring affordable spaces for local artisans, food vendors, farmers, and small businesses. The vision includes a welcoming gathering place where residents can shop, enjoy local food, support neighborhood entrepreneurs, and strengthen Waipahu's local economy.
Our office explained that the property is privately owned, and the City and County of Honolulu does not have the authority to determine how it is developed. We also shared that the proposed Costco Business Center is still moving through the planning and permitting process. As the project advances, public hearings will provide opportunities for residents to submit testimony and share their views.
The resident was encouraged to present the marketplace proposal to the Waipahu Neighborhood Board and, if interested in pursuing the idea further, to contact the property owner directly to discuss the concept.
Community Shares Ideas for Future of Former Don Quijote Property
A community member recently shared ideas for the future redevelopment of the former Don Quijote property in Waipahu, suggesting the site become a vibrant community marketplace instead of a large retail store. While recognizing ongoing discussions about a possible Costco Business Center, the resident noted that another large commercial development could add to traffic in an already heavily traveled area.
Instead, the resident proposed creating a modern marketplace inspired by the former ʻOhana Marketplace, featuring affordable spaces for local artisans, food vendors, farmers, and small businesses. The vision includes a welcoming gathering place where residents can shop, enjoy local food, support neighborhood entrepreneurs, and strengthen Waipahu's local economy.
Our office explained that the property is privately owned, and the City and County of Honolulu does not have the authority to determine how it is developed. We also shared that the proposed Costco Business Center is still moving through the planning and permitting process. As the project advances, public hearings will provide opportunities for residents to submit testimony and share their views.
The resident was encouraged to present the marketplace proposal to the Waipahu Neighborhood Board and, if interested in pursuing the idea further, to contact the property owner directly to discuss the concept.
Homeless Activity and Illegally Parked Boat on Moloalo Street
A community member contacted our office after noticing a boat parked along Moloalo Street near ACE Medical for several weeks. The resident reported people coming and going from the vessel and requested that the Honolulu Police Department investigate the situation and, if appropriate, remove the boat from the public roadway.
The resident also reported heavy weed growth along the nearby canal following recent rainfall and noted that an unauthorized campsite had been established near a business dumpster. Assistance was requested to address both the overgrown vegetation and the encampment.
Honolulu Police Department officers responded and conducted multiple checks of the area. During one of the inspections, officers contacted two individuals experiencing homelessness who had been sleeping aboard the boat. After speaking with officers, the individuals gathered their belongings and left the area. HPD also advised that arrangements are underway to tow the boat to help prevent it from being reoccupied. In addition, a cleanup of the surrounding area has been scheduled.
Homeless Activity and Illegally Parked Boat on Moloalo Street
A community member contacted our office after noticing a boat parked along Moloalo Street near ACE Medical for several weeks. The resident reported people coming and going from the vessel and requested that the Honolulu Police Department investigate the situation and, if appropriate, remove the boat from the public roadway.
The resident also reported heavy weed growth along the nearby canal following recent rainfall and noted that an unauthorized campsite had been established near a business dumpster. Assistance was requested to address both the overgrown vegetation and the encampment.
Honolulu Police Department officers responded and conducted multiple checks of the area. During one of the inspections, officers contacted two individuals experiencing homelessness who had been sleeping aboard the boat. After speaking with officers, the individuals gathered their belongings and left the area. HPD also advised that arrangements are underway to tow the boat to help prevent it from being reoccupied. In addition, a cleanup of the surrounding area has been scheduled.
Have a district issue you want to report?
Aaron Ho, our office’s Constituent Affairs Specialist for 'Ewa Beach, tours District 9 with Councilmember Tulba to learn about concerns related to city operations, traffic and public safety. To reach him with your ideas or to share community concerns, please use the contact form below.
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