Trust For Public Land Holds Community Impact Day at ‘A‘ala Park

Trust for Public Land brought the community together for its annual “A Day on the Land,” a community impact event focused on connecting volunteers from across Oʻahu to steward ʻAʻala Park. Located in the dense and diverse downtown area, more than 75 volunteers from nine local companies learned about the park’s dynamic history and the community’s work to improve and enhance the park to create a safe and welcoming space for all, while assisting with removing trash, scrubbing graffiti, planting native trees and touching up colorful murals.

“Public-private partnerships like this one are essential to rejuvenating Downtown-Chinatown. I applaud the community, our wonderful City and County of Honolulu partners, Trust for Public Land, and the local companies that brought us together to envision and implement a vibrant future. Bravo!” stated Mayor Rick Blangiardi, who participated in the event along with over a dozen City staff.

“Nearly 18,000 people live within a 10-minute walk of ʻAʻala Park – a green kipuka (oasis) that can meaningfully connect families and children to nature and the outdoors for those living and working in and around the area,” said Lea Hong, Associate Vice President of Trust for Public Land. “Our work today and in the months ahead will ensure ʻAʻala Park can serve as a community hub for future generations, and we’re incredibly grateful for our volunteers.”

Volunteers from American Savings Bank, Oceanit, Ward Village Foundation, Alexander & Baldwin, G70, Hawai‘i Gas, James Campbell Company LLC, Macy’s, and City & County of Honolulu attended to help steward the area.

“When people band together, we can bring greater impact to our community,” said Ann Teranishi, President and Chief Executive Officer, American Savings Bank. “Trust for Public Land’s efforts to bring the community’s vision for ʻAʻala Park to life is inspiring, and American Savings Bank is committed to doing our part to create a safe and vibrant gathering place for neighbors and families to enjoy.”

‘A‘ala Park spans nearly 7 acres, within a mere 10-minute stroll for approximately 18,000 residents. Despite its rich history as a hub for political discourse and cultural celebrations since the early 1900s, this urban ‘āina has become a place where locals feel unsafe. Alongside the community and its partners, Trust for Public Land is working to transform ‘A‘ala Park into a well-used and well-loved public space to benefit the entire community.

About Trust for Public Land

Trust for Public Land (TPL) is a national nonprofit that works to connect everyone to the benefits and joys of the outdoors. As a leader in equitable access to the outdoors, TPL works with communities to create parks and protect public land where they are needed most. Since 1972, TPL has protected more than 4 million acres of public land, created more than 5,364 parks, trails, schoolyards, and iconic outdoor places, raised $93 billion in public funding for parks and public lands, and connected nearly 9.4 million people to the outdoors. To learn more, visit tpl.org.