HONOLULU — The U.S. Navy and National Park Service conveyed approximately 400 acres of land formerly occupied by Naval Air Station Barbers Point to the City and County of Honolulu during a transfer ceremony outside Honolulu Hale on Wednesday.

What You Need To Know

  • The U.S. Navy and National Park service transferred approximately 400 acres of land to the City and County of Honolulu

  • The Kalaeloa parcel will be opened to the public for recreational use

  • The city first applied for the lands when the air station ceased operation in 1999; the transfer was administered under the Base Realignment and Closure Act
  • Next up for the city: amending its Program of Utilization so the parcels reflect the community’s current park and recreational priorities

The expansive Kalaeloa parcel will be opened to the public for recreational use.

“We have heard from communities across Oahu about the compelling need for additional public park and recreational opportunities,” said Honolulu Mayor Rick Blangiardi. “This generous gift of lands from the Navy and the National Park Service offers our administration an opportunity to think big and outside the box for more recreational opportunities for the people of Oahu.

“Whether pickleball courts, tennis courts, camp sites along Oahu’s leeward coast or possibly a future community motorsports park, these former Navy lands given to the people of Oahu by the NPS are an investment in our communities and the quality of life of our people,” Blangiardi said. “We are beyond grateful.”

The city first applied for the lands when the air station ceased operation in 1999.

The transfer was administered under the Base Realignment and Closure Act, which provides for the U.S. Military to release of unused or under-used property for the benefit of local communities.

To proceed with the conveyance, the Kalaeloa parcel was declared excess by the Navy, thereby allowing NPS to transfer it to the city via a 25-page deed that Blangiardi officially executed on Wednesday.

“The Navy is thrilled to partner with the City and County of Honolulu, as well as the National Park Service, to make this land transfer possible and ensure it provides a long-term benefit to the community,” said Meredith Berger, assistant secretary of the Navy for energy, installations and the environment. “This land transfer exemplifies the strong, collaborative relationship between federal and local governments. This community has history and significance and is one that our institution and our people have called home and we are excited for a bright future for it and the people who live here.”

Next up for the city: amending its Program of Utilization so the parcels reflect the community’s current park and recreational priorities; installing proper signage to document the donation; and complying with covenants and agreements contained in the deed, including historic preservation provisions. The city will also begin the planning process, including the preparation of environmental disclosure documents.

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