HONOLULU — Some six months after North Shore residents sounded a call for a full-sized public pool, the City and County of Honolulu is releasing $1.5 million for the planning and development of a new pool and recreation building at Kahuku District Park.

What You Need To Know

  • The project is being developed in partnership with the renewable energy company AES Hawaii

  • To access a city pool, Koolauloa community members currently have to travel 17 miles to Waialua District Park or 25 miles to Kaneohe District Park

  • The current planning and development phase will include detailed architectural plans, engineering and environmental assessments. This will be followed by engagement with the Kahuku community to solicit input and preferences. AES Hawaii will then contribute additional funds to complete the project

  • Honolulu City Council member Matt Weyer helped spearhead the initiative by sponsoring a resolution calling for pool and recreation project
 

Honolulu Mayor Rick Blangiardi announced the funding on Thursday, noting that the project came as a direct result of an April 20 town hall meeting in Laie during which residents expressed their desire for such a facility.

The project is being developed in partnership with the renewable energy company AES Hawaii.

“We heard this community loud and clear about the need for a swimming pool on the North Shore,” said Mayor Rick Blangiardi. “The Kahuku public swimming pool has been a longstanding aspiration for the community, and we are grateful for the anticipated financial support of AES Hawaii in making this vision a reality. The planning phase is a crucial step towards creating a dynamic facility for our residents and reflects our unwavering commitment to the health and vibrancy of our city.”

To access a city pool, Koolauloa community members currently have to travel 17 miles to Waialua District Park or 25 miles to Kaneohe District Park.

Honolulu City Council member Matt Weyer helped spearhead the initiative by sponsoring a resolution calling for pool and recreation project.

“The community has waited for decades for a public pool, and this is the first step in moving us forward in that process supporting equity,” Weyer said. “This is particularly important for our youth, including our young athletes, and I am grateful for the mayor’s collaboration and leadership.”

According to a release issued on Thursday, the current planning and development phase will include detailed architectural plans, engineering and environmental assessments. This will be followed by engagement with the Kahuku community to solicit input and preferences. AES Hawaii will then contribute additional funds to complete the project.

“AES Hawaii applauds Mayor Rick Blangiardi and the City and County of Honolulu for initiating the process to bring the Kahuku Swimming Pool and Recreation Center to the North Shore community,” AES Hawaii president Sandra Larsen stated in the release. “This new facility is a much-needed resource for the entire Koolauloa region that will provide families, children and youth organizations with a safe and convenient place to swim, play water polo and enjoy other sports activities, all to support a healthy and positive lifestyle. AES Hawaii is proud to partner with the City on this project by providing a matching fund of $1.5 million that increases our commitment to $4 million in funding support.”

Michael Tsai covers local and state politics for Spectrum News Hawaii. He can be reached at michael.tsai@charter.com.