Neighborhood Security Watch Volunteer Safeguards Mānoa District Park
- Sen. Carol Fukunaga
- Jan 15
- 2 min read
If you’ve walked Mānoa District Park adjacent to the Kahaloa Street bridge recently, you’ve felt how welcoming it is. Much of that credit goes to longtime NSW block captain and Adopt-a-Park volunteer Mike Shiroma, who quietly clears trash, trims overgrowth, and paints out graffiti along the stream near the Kahaloa Bridge.
One Neighbor’s Efforts
Graffiti paint‑outs: Mike covers recurring tags on the bridge abutment to discourage vandalism.
Stream and culvert clearing: He removes debris—including rusty bicycle parts—so water flows freely and flood risk drops.
Safety pruning: By thinning dense vegetation, he improves sightlines and reduces places for hidden encampments.
“Whatever I cut or prune, I bag and remove to keep the stream clear,” Mike says. “A cleaner, safer park protects everyone who enjoys it.”
Why It Matters
Safer sightlines deter crime and reduce the likelihood of encampments.
Clean and clear culverts lessen flooding during heavy rains.
Shared stewardship builds pride—and keeps the park welcoming for keiki and kupuna alike.
But one neighbor cannot do it alone.
Join the Mānoa Park Clean‑Up Days
We’re reaching out to Manoa community organizations and service clubs —like the Manoa Lions Club, Roosevelt JROTC Lions, Mālama Mānoa, and other school resiliency groups, and anyone who loves the valley — to join us on a Community Clean‑up Day this spring. We’ll support Mike’s work and tackle trouble spots along the stream and park perimeter.
How You Can Help
Bring family, friends, your school or church group.
Join a team for pruning, debris removal, or light graffiti paint‑outs.
Share safety ideas and help keep Mānoa’s green spaces welcoming.
A Safer and More Secure Park for All
“Keeping our valley safe is everyone’s responsibility,” says Manoa Neighborhood Security Watch coordinator Norman Wong.
“Mike has shown what one dedicated volunteer can do—now it’s time for all of us to pitch in.”