Kaimuki Residents Oppose $850K Archery Range at Local Park

Neighbors raise concerns over public safety, flooding risks, and loss of green space

Apr. 14, 2026 at 10:05am

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A bold, graphic illustration featuring a repeating pattern of a traditional Japanese longbow in a vibrant, neon color palette, conceptually representing the community debate over the proposed archery range in Kaimuki's Mau'umae Nature Park.The proposed archery range has sparked a community debate over the appropriate use of public green spaces in Honolulu.Honolulu Today

A private proposal to build an $850,000 Japanese archery range and training facility at Mau'umae Nature Park in Kaimuki is facing strong opposition from nearby residents. The Hawai'i Kyudo Foundation's plan to construct the fenced, multi-use kyudojo on half an acre of the city park has sparked concerns over public safety, worsening flood risks, and the reduction of one of the area's few remaining green spaces.

Why it matters

The archery range project has divided the Kaimuki community, with about 100 neighbors forming the 'Malama Mau'umae Hui' to oppose the development. Residents argue the facility is inappropriate for a public park setting and could set a precedent for private organizations to take over other city-owned green spaces.

The details

The proposed kyudojo would include a target bank, a 92-foot-long traditional archery range, an open-air shooting house, a classroom, restrooms, parking, and landscaping. City officials have supported the public-private partnership, but neighbors say the project threatens public safety, increases flood risks, and reduces valuable green space in their densely populated community.

  • In late 2025, the Hawai'i Kyudo Foundation announced plans for the archery range project.
  • In December, the Department of Parks and Recreation reviewed the project's draft environmental assessment.
  • On March 20, severe weather caused a flash flood on 16th Avenue near the park.
  • On March 23, a resident emailed the mayor's office with concerns about the project.
  • On April 8, a longtime resident expressed outrage over recent tree clearing at the park.

The players

Malama Mau'umae Hui

A group of about 100 Kaimuki residents who have formed to oppose the archery range project.

Grace O'Neil

The leader of the Malama Mau'umae Hui and a 10-year Kaimuki resident who lives near the park.

Hawai'i Kyudo Foundation

A private nonprofit organization proposing to build the $850,000 Japanese archery range and training facility at Mau'umae Nature Park.

Rick Blangiardi

The mayor of Honolulu who has expressed support for the archery range project.

Nate Serota

A spokesperson for the Department of Parks and Recreation who stated that additional updates on the project will be announced soon.

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What they’re saying

“Number one, this is a residential neighborhood and the park is somewhere where people bring their children, their pets and there's elderly people there, kupuna, and nobody wants to be shot by an arrow.”

— Grace O'Neil, Leader of Malama Mau'umae Hui

“If someone is shot or injured — a dog is shot or a child is shot, or whomever — that is a liability to the city and taxpayers. So I think the city should not take on the liability, and obviously I don't want any harm to be done to anybody, including myself.”

— Grace O'Neil, Leader of Malama Mau'umae Hui

“We are blessed to have found such an ideal space to enhance the practice of this ancient and meditative form of archery. Our goal is to introduce new practitioners to the serene art of kyudo, while welcoming back those who wish to reconnect with it.”

— Hiroko Dewitz, President of Hawai'i Kyudo Foundation

What’s next

The Kaimuki Neighborhood Board is scheduled to further discuss the archery range project at a meeting on Wednesday, where the Malama Mau'umae Hui plans to present their opposition with signs and a small presentation.

The takeaway

The archery range proposal has sparked a heated debate in the Kaimuki community, with residents raising valid concerns about public safety, environmental impacts, and the preservation of green space in their densely populated neighborhood. The outcome of this issue could set an important precedent for how the city manages the use of public parks by private organizations.