Kapiolani Park group
questions sale of art

By Debra Barayuga
Star-Bulletin

The Honolulu Zoo Art Fence and craft fairs at Kapiolani Park could become things of the past, if the Kapiolani Park Preservation Society has its way.

The organization's demands have led City Council members, as trustees of the Kapiolani Park trust, to ask the attorney general for an opinion on whether the commercial activities are allowed.

The Kapiolani Park Preservation Society in the past has threatened to ask the attorney general to force the city to comply with trust provisions banning commercial activities in the park. The society believes the sale of arts and crafts at the park violates provisions conveying Kapiolani Park to the state for public and recreational uses, according to a complaint filed yesterday in Circuit Court.

Artists who have been granted permits by the city to display and sell their artwork on the zoo fence off Monsarrat Avenue, and crafters say their activities conform with requirements. The Art Fence has served as a gallery for local artists for over 40 years.

While the sale of artwork and crafts are considered commercial, trustees do not believe it is significant compared to the enjoyment residents and tourists reap from these activities, the complaint said. Also, the craft fairs and cultural events are held intermittently conforming with the trust requirements allowing exhibitions.