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‘Turkey Bowl’
mud fest foiled

In the past, the annual game
has destroyed turf and sprinklers
at Kalihi-Uka Community Park

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By Rosemarie Bernardo
Star-Bulletin

For the first time in decades, there was no Thanksgiving Day "Turkey Bowl" at the Kalihi-Uka Community Park.

In the past, participants have flooded the park for their annual football game, destroying the turf.

But yesterday, community members were watching.

Maryrose McClelland, chairwoman of the Kalihi Valley Neighborhood Board, received three phone calls from residents who saw six young men hanging around Kalihi Street near the park.

But as of last night, all was quiet, McClelland said.

In the past, children at Kalihi-Uka School could not use the area after a "Turkey Bowl," she said.

"This is a big deal in our community."

"The callers have grandchildren that attend the elementary school, so they're concerned," McClelland said.

The Kalihi Valley Neighborhood Board collaborated with the City & County Parks and Recreation Department, the state Board of Water Supply and the Honolulu Police Department to prevent a mud fest this year.

"Participants have been destroying the irrigation system and the turf at the park," said McClelland.

City and county workers would fix sprinklers and the turf at the field every year, she said.

"That costs thousands of dollars to replace."

"Having the children use it year round is more important than this once-a-year destructive activity," McClelland said.

"We're just all hoping they don't choose another day," she added.

A police officer made periodic checks at the park yesterday, and the Board of Water Supply turned off water sources at and near the field.