Ewa panel revises plan to close parks at night

The Ewa Neighborhood Board has come up with a different recommendation on when area city parks should be closed after many residents disagreed with its earlier vote for a 12-hour daily closure.

In the board's monthly meeting Thursday, members adjusted the recommended closure hours for Oneula Beach Park, Ewa Mahiko Park, Geiger Neighborhood Park, Asing Community Park and Ewa Beach Community Park to occur from 10 p.m. to 5 a.m. instead of from 7 p.m. to 7 a.m.

Members also adjusted closure hours for Puuloa Neighborhood Park and Ewa Beach Park to occur from 7 p.m. to 5 a.m. -- rather than 7 p.m. to 7 a.m. -- due to their location near residential homes.

A majority of community members are satisfied with the adjusted times, said Kurt Fevella, chairman of the Ewa Neighborhood Board.

In February, board members voted to recommend all city parks in Ewa and Ewa Beach to close from 7 p.m. to 7 a.m. because of community concerns about illegal activity that included late-night drinking, drug use and drag racing.

Many residents were angered by the board's blanket approach to closure hours for all area parks.

Some said they support closing parks at night but were against keeping them closed for 12 hours.

The board's recommendation for the adjusted night closure hours will be sent to the Department of Parks and Recreation for a final decision.