Question: When we moved to Nuuanu, we were so excited to find a park in the neighborhood. But sadly, it was in such disrepair. The swings were removed at the beginning of the year, and early last month we discovered the whole play structure was also removed. Do you know if we will be getting a new play structure or when/if that will happen? I have emailed someone at the city Department of Parks and Recreation but have not received a response.
Answer: Unfortunately, there’s no timeline as to when the play equipment can be replaced at Nuuanu Valley Park — or other parks.
The swings were removed for safety reasons because the frame had rusted from long exposure to the elements, according to a parks manager.
The climbing play equipment also had rusted, and parts that were worn or “fatigued” made structural components unstable and beyond repair, so it also was removed.
“Safety is of primary importance, so although we try to avoid removing play equipment before we are close to replacing it with new equipment, sometimes we must remove it, as was the case at Nuuanu Valley Park,” the manager said.
Nuuanu has been included on the list of sites where play equipment needs to be replaced, but the department does not know when it will be able to do so.
The timing will depend upon how soon funds are available to replace play equipment throughout the citywide list of parks where equipment already has been removed or will be removed for similar reasons, the manager said.
We asked how many parks have had their equipment removed, as well as how many more may face removal because of safety concerns.
The numbers were not available.
“We are constantly inspecting and repairing/replacing parts that are damaged due to vandalism, which cannot be anticipated,” the manager said. “This is an ongoing process, so I think the numbers would vary.”
GOING GREEN RECYCLING
If you’ve got a lot of unwanted items cluttering your house, you’ll have two chances in August to recycle everything from used cooking oil and batteries to computers and appliances.
The Going Green Recycling events help “the community to celebrate Earth Day every day to raise awareness and divert waste from our landfills, preserve natural resources,” as well as serve as fundraisers for schools and community organizations, organizer Rene Mansho said in a
news release.
The first event will be held from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday at the site of the old Aiea Sugar Mill on Halewiliko Street in Aiea, hosted by the Aiea Community Association, and the second, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Aug. 24 at McKinley High School, hosted by the school.
Items accepted: computers, printers, scanners and ink cartridges; one TV per car; cellphones; scrap metal; appliances; propane tanks, fire extinguishers and heat pumps; all kinds of batteries; bicycles; used cooking oil; HI-5 beverage containers; used eyeglasses; hearing aids; white socks for Afghanistan; prom dresses, women’s business suits, other usable clothing and accessories; pet food, towels, blankets and toys; household items; incandescent light bulbs swapped for CFLs; as well as canned goods for the Hawaii Foodbank.
For free towing of unwanted cars, call Mansho at 291-6151.
Items not accepted: tires, microwave ovens, paint, motor oil and hazardous fluids.
MAHALO
To the considerate and caring lady who witnessed and remained at the scene of an accident at Fort Weaver and Renton roads in June. My wife and I are most appreciative of your report to the police officer about the accident. — Grateful
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Write to “Kokua Line” at Honolulu Star-Advertiser, 7 Waterfront Plaza, Suite 210, 500 Ala Moana Blvd., Honolulu 96813; call 529-4773; fax 529-4750; or email kokualine@staradvertiser.com.
