Undeveloped park in ‘Aiea blossoming into community space with tree planting
34 trees planted at ‘Aiea Interim Park as part of ‘Ke Ola O ‘Aiea ‘Ohana Park’ effort
Efforts to enhance an undeveloped park in ‘Aiea are taking root, with the planting of nearly three dozen trees this weekend.
A hui of non-profit, public, private, and government organizations are collaborating on the shared vision to improve ‘Aiea Interim Park, beginning with the planting of 34 trees in the 3.43-acre open area on Halewiliko Place.
Over the past two days, October 9 & 10, 2026, many hands worked together to plant a variety of nine different trees around the perimeter of the park, including: milo, lonomea, crape myrtle, narra, manele, puakenikeni, wiliwili, colvillea, and a Moreton bay fig tree.
As part of the effort, named Ke Ola O ‘Aiea ‘Ohana Park or The Life of ‘Aiea Family Park, these tree plantings represent a significant first step in realizing the ‘Aiea Community Association’s long-range plan for this former sugar mill site. That vision, designed in conjunction with students and faculty of the University of Hawai‘i Landscape and Design Class, currently includes a community center, outdoor play & exercise amenities, and open turf space incorporated within the dozens of newly planted trees.
“Our community’s kūpuna who are no longer with us are smiling to see this open space become a realization,” said Claire Tamamoto, President of the ‘Aiea Community Association. “So many hands have touched this project from way back. I am deeply grateful for all those who have helped and continue to keep this decades-old vision alive. We will remain committed to our slogan ‘building a sense of community’ for those kūpuna and the keiki of today and tomorrow.”
The trees were supplied by the City and County of Honolulu’s Division of Urban Forestry and through a $34,000 grant from the Laura Jane Musser Fund. Many additional organizations were instrumental in the coordination and completion of the tree planting effort (and future park enhancements), including: City Councilmember Radiant Cordero, ‘Aiea Community Association, ‘Aiea Intermediate School, Ali’i Pauahi Hawaiian Civic Club, Aloha Lā Halewilikō Senior Housing, Outdoor Circle, Trees for Honolulu’s Future, University of Hawai’i Tropical Landscape & Human Interaction Lab & Dr. Andy Kaufman, the ‘Aiea Neighborhood Board, Pali Momi Medical Center, Honolulu Community Action Program, and Boy Scout Troop 147.
“This is the first step in creating a new tree-filled greenspace for the ‘Aiea community, which will eventually be accompanied by additional plantings and a community center that has been desired by the ‘Aiea Community Association,” said Dr. Myles Ritchie, Programs Director with the Outdoor Circle. “This project has been in the design phase for years, and The Outdoor Circle is excited to be working with a great group of collaborators to ensure these trees thrive and are enjoyed for generations to come.”
If you need an auxiliary aid/service, other accommodations due to a disability, or an interpreter for a language other than English in reference to this announcement, please contact the Honolulu Department of Parks and Recreation at (808) 768-3003 on weekdays from 7:45 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. or email parks@honolulu.gov at least three business days before the scheduled event. Without sufficient advanced notice, it may not be possible to fulfill requests.
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