Honolulu Department of Parks and Recreation

The City and County of Honolulu's Department of Parks and Recreation is asking for community feedback through O‘ahu’s neighborhood boards to help determine which parks should expand on-leash dog privileges.

Reservations start on April 23 for the popular family fishing program at Ho‘omaluhia Botanical Garden in Kāneʻohe on Oʻahu.

Dozens of palm trees along Oʻahu’s shoreline have been cut down to prevent further damage caused by invasive coconut rhinoceros beetles. A city spokesperson said the situation will get worse before it gets better. As HPR's Mark Ladao learned, an infestation of one or a handful of trees results in an issue for an entire neighborhood.

The Summer Fun program is the largest of its kind in the state with 60 locations on Oʻahu. The program began in 1944 to provide positive engagement of children during World War II.

The Conversation talked with Honolulu Parks and Recreation Director Laura Thielen about the challenge of getting players to share court space. She said rules will not resolve the fact that there are more players than available facilities, especially at certain times of the day.

During his 20 years in Hawaiʻi, botanist and Queen's physician Dr. William Hillebrand introduced many plants now associated with the islands, including the plumeria. Some of the trees he planted are still at his former residence, on land that is now Foster Botanical Garden. A local thespian, acting at Hillebrand, spoke with The Conversation's Catherine Cruz ahead of a performance this weekend.

The city's Department of Parks and Recreation held a blessing ceremony Monday for the grand opening of a dozen new courts. Each new area is complete with lines and nets, which were repurposed from four underutilized tennis courts, according to DPR.

The influx of visitors at Hoʻomaluhia Botanical Garden has prompted the Honolulu Department of Parks and Recreation to consider implementing an admission fee and a reservation system. A 2022 survey found that most first-time visitors would make a reservation and pay an admission fee. HPR's Cassie Ordonio reports.

The popular Koko Crater hike in Hawaiʻi Kai will be closed for four separate days this month while the city repairs the viewing platform at the top. This is the second phase of an ongoing restoration project to prolong the life of the stairs and make the route safer for the hundreds of hikers that ascend and descend it every day.

Two of Oʻahu’s largest city parks will close for maintenance in June. Nate Serota with the city’s Department of Parks and Recreation explains why the two parks are closing at the same time.