Cultural Sites in Public Parks

At a glance

What: Bill 31 (2026), relating to cultural sites in public parks, lets community cultural stewards partner with the Department of Parks and Recreation to care for and protect Kuʻilioloa Heiau at Pōkaʻī Bay Beach Park and the Mauna Lahilahi site. Resolution 26-65 urges the administration to update and carry out the archaeological site preservation plan for the Mauna Lahilahi Cultural Garden.
Where it stands: Bill 31, CD2 passed third reading September 9, 2026, 8-0 (Weyer absent). Resolution 26-65, FD1 was adopted July 8, 2026, 8-0.
Why: Tupola cited continued vandalism, vagrancy and other inappropriate uses despite years of volunteer stewardship.

Resolution 26-65: Tupola moved it; a posted FD1 was set aside and a handcarried FD1 adopted 8-0, with Council Rule 19.G (48-hour notice) waived 8-0. She thanked Deputy Director Puʻu of Parks and Recreation.
Bill 31 second reading, July 8: CD1 passed 7-0 (absent Nishimoto, Tulba). Third reading September 9: Robinson gave general comment.
Related: Farmers Markets in Parks.

City Council journal (minutes), regular meeting of July 8, 2026 (adopted August 12, 2026): https://hnldoc.ehawaii.gov/hnldoc/document-download?id=28796
City Council journal (draft minutes, not yet adopted), regular meeting of September 9, 2026: https://hnldoc.ehawaii.gov/hnldoc/document-download?id=29318

Bill 31, CD2 passed third reading 8-0.

Bill 31 passed second reading as CD1 (7-0). Resolution 26-65 adopted as amended to the handcarried FD1 (8-0).