Hawai'i Community Development Authority

November 27, 2024

HONOLULU – Just in time for the Thanksgiving holiday at 4 p.m. today, the Hawai‘i Community Development Authority (HCDA) reopened the children’s playground at Kolowalu Park.

“We are happy to invite the community to come and enjoy the new and improved playground,” said Craig Nakamoto, HCDA executive director. “I’m proud of and grateful for our HCDA staff and contractor, Inspired Play Hawai‘i, for delivering O‘ahu’s first inclusive playground. The team prioritized safety and quality to bring this unique playground equipment to Kaka‘ako, for public use.”

“As a parent of two young kids, I thought it was important to create a space that could be enjoyed by children of all abilities,” said Lindsey Doi, HCDA asset manager. “A lot of thought went into hand-picking each element of this playground so that we could offer something special for everyone.”

“When designing this project, we envisioned a space for every child—accommodating a full spectrum of abilities and needs,” said Danielle Sagum, owner and operator of Inspired Play Hawai‘i. “From children using mobility devices to those with sensory, communication, and emotional regulation challenges, we built this playground with inclusivity in mind. The sensory play panels throughout the play area offer unique ways for kids to engage—whether through sound, sight, motion, or touch. These elements and more open new possibilities for connection and play, ensuring every child feels welcomed and supported.”

In 2024, HCDA also installed new benches, picnic tables and adult fitness equipment on the makai side of Kolowalu Park.

In early 2025, the improvements on the mauka side of Kolowalu Park are expected to be completed with the opening of the new dog park, designed with a Hawaiian sense of place.

All of these improvements and upgrades to Kolowalu Park were made possible with funding from the Hawai‘i State Legislature, especially elected officials in the district.

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Resources:
Website: https://dbedt.hawaii.gov/hcda/

Phone: 808-594-0300

Email: [email protected]