Ewa Mahiko Park seeing major upgrade

EWA—The usual site of Ewa’s Sunset on the Plains is getting a face-lift with major construction recently under way. Earlier this month, the city broke ground at Ewa Mahiko District Park, located on Renton Road on the site of the old Ewa Sugar Mill.

The park, located near several different rehabilitation houses or “halfway housing,” currently consists of large open grass area, baseball fencing walls and a very small parking lot. The majority of park users include various youth football teams.

“This is welcome news,” said Ewa Neighborhood Chair Kurt Fevella. “We’ve been looking forward to having more park facilities in Ewa, especially a gym and play courts. ... These facilities will give our young people and the entire community a gathering place for their sports and recreation activities.”

Plans include the addition of a 10,440-square-foot indoor gymnasium, a multi-purpose building, two basketball courts, four tennis courts, two volleyball courts, lighting for courts, walkways, an irrigation system, and a 235-stall parking lot with lighting. Many believe that the addition of all these recreational facilities means more opportunity for various programs to be held at the park.

“It’s about time they put all the land to good use,” said Ewa Beach resident John Silva. “It’s nice to have so much field but with such a little parking it’s kind of a waste. At least now there will be life and activity going on in the park and a place for kids to come to and stay out of trouble.”

The District Park project cost is estimated at $8.3 million. The City and County of Honolulu have a completion date set at late 2011. The design consultant for the build is Yamasato Fujiwara Higa and Associates. The contract for construction was awarded to 57 Builders Ltd.

“It’s always great to see something like this come to Ewa,” Silva said. “There is so much construction going on in the Ewa area but nothing worth smiling about. It’s all housing or golf courses. This park addition is something everyone will benefit from.”