“It is clear to me that despite our differences about this field, everyone involved in today’s announcement cares deeply about our community, about Waimanalo, and about the future we are leaving our kids,” shared Mayor Caldwell, who continued, “I’ve made the decision that this administration is pau with the field and master plan. I am pau with the field and master plan. The next steps are up to this community to determine, but it is time for the land and our community to heal. I look to you as kupuna and next generation leaders – to determine what happens here as place people can come together, decide how to do things differently, communicate differently, and respect all views while building on the dream you have as a community.”
Ku'ike Kamakea-'Ohelo, President of Save of Sherwoods shared the statement, “He leo kako'o keia i ka Meia i 'olelo ai, i pukana ai, i puana ai, i ka ho'oku 'ana i ke kukulu 'ana o keia paka pa'anipopo. Keia manawa, o ke aloha ka mea wale i koe.” This is a voice in support of the Mayor’s announcement to restore the parcel we know as Phase I. Now, aloha is all that remains. Kamakea-'Ohelo also expressed appreciation to many community members and City staff, especially the Honolulu Police Department Community Policing Team, who played a critical role in the ongoing discussions with the City.
Earlier this year, the City administration had announced that after long discussions with project opponents and leaders of Save Our Sherwoods, they had come to an agreement to move forward on finishing a grassy field without a play apparatus, limited parking, and a commitment to support the cultural and historical importance of the site. Mayor Caldwell has long expressed that he would not pursue the remainder of the Master Plan. However, COVID-19 coincided with the planned re-start of the field construction, and Mayor Caldwell paused the work for community health and safety reasons given the potential for gatherings in protest and the discovery of a bone fragment.
Department of Design and Construction Deputy Director Haku Milles explained that there are still things that have to be done to restore the site, including leveling the construction mounds and planting ground cover. “It has always been important to Mayor Caldwell that we restore this land from what was previously covered in invasive Christmas berries and haole koa. We are working to determine the best way to reesetablish ground cover that includes indigenous grass suited for this area.” The City will also make funding avaiable for indigenous trees to be planted once the land and grass settles.
Mabel Keliihoomalu and Blanche McMillan, whom Mayor Caldwell affectionately calls “The Aunties,” were part of the community leadership that began planning for the project over a decade ago. “A long time ago, Sherwood Forest was our playground with all of our family – we used to go camping, fishing, and get together on the weekends,” shared Aunty Blanche, who continued, “we all need to work together, no grumbling, no protesting no more, put it on the table, bring in the kupuna for their advice, and let’s decide what we want to have in our Waimanalo.”
Aunty Mabel added, “I was one of those who planned it and worked really hard to get the monies in there and spent 10 years getting it through the City. It hurt that we lost those funds for our community, but I am happy that we are able to come back to the table and incorporate everyone’s mana'o.” She also excitedly shared the news of funding being announced for Azevedo Field, “this is because of you, the younger generation, coming to the table to advocate and the Mayor listening to your voices.”
Mayor Caldwell shared that the City budget to be announced later this week includes $1.2 million in funds to try to find a new solution for Azevedo Field, which has struggled with repairs for years due to tough clay soil conditions. Other important projects in Waimanalo continue, including $6 million invested in the past few years into capital improvements to various bathrooms and playgrounds as well as the Waimanalo District Park gym, Waimanalo Beach Park pavilion, and Kaupo Beach Park.
“Sometimes things gotta get ugly before they get better, and that’s what happened,” shared Kalani Kalima, one of the project opponents. “We would like to mahalo the Aunties and those that had the vision to provide for our keiki. As makua, we gladly accept the responsibility to utilize lokahi, unity, in all of us coming together, laulima, to work together as one community – kupuna, makua, and 'opio – the kauhale, the ahupua'a, the community of Waimanalo to get our community forward.”
Mayor Caldwell closed, “Our community is built on relationships – and what we are doing today is putting those first and making a commitment to continue doing the hard work together of building a postive future for our kids. Mahalo to everyone for giving this special place an even stronger voice.”
