Hawaii’s natural landscape has always captured the imagination of people across the state. From beautiful beaches to majestic mountains, it’s very easy to label Hawaii as just another pretty vacation destination. But beyond this superficial categorization lies something more profound, something that finds its beauty in the ordinary. That would be the role parks and public facilities play in the community. 

For many years, public parks and other important city facilities have deteriorated due to vandalism and littering. Jerome Matthews, a massage therapist and Pauoa Valley resident, is no stranger to the crucial role parks play in the community. “They provide a place for the neighborhood kids to enjoy themselves, to relax, and to have fun,” explains Matthews. The dilapidated state of Matthews’ local park has been disheartening as he explains there is a great need for more funding, especially since the park is used by children. 

  The Hawaii Kai community shares similar sentiments on the significance of parks and public facilities. Howard Noh, Vice President of Noh Foods of Hawaii and a Hawaii Kai resident, described the importance of parks, saying, “They are integral and really represent family. When you have a vibrant park, that just demonstrates the vibrance of a community at large.”

The widespread push for more support of public parks and facilities has translated into government efforts to address this issue. In February, the Honolulu City Council introduced Bill 4, which sought to create sponsorship programs. Even though the bill is still pending, the goal is to have private entities sponsor public facilities in exchange for being associated with the facility it’s sponsoring. Consequently, there have been mixed reviews. 

 As a former city planner, Derrick Kim opposed the bill on the grounds that it would inadvertently lead to outdoor signage like billboards. He believes that this would usurp the essence of the state. “We want to keep Hawaii as Hawaii,” emphasizes Kim.

However, there seems to be general support for the bill’s basic concept. Local communities’ main objective is to attract sponsors who share their values. John Michaels, a Pearl City community member, said, “We want somebody who has an Ohana spirit in mind.” 

The role that parks and public facilities play is difficult to overstate. From Koko Head District Park to Pearl City’s Manana Community Park, each one represents a vital ingredient to the health of the community.