In June, tired of being kicked out of public places to skateboard by police, the neophyte activists started circulating petitions, writing letters and attending meetings to urge the city to build a skateboard park that was five to eight years away in the planning at Koko Head District Park. Not only did they succeed in getting Mayor Jeremy Harris to promise it would be in place by the end of next year, but they got a temporary ramp that was completed last Friday. We'll get it done. In all, the group collected more than 500 signatures. By George F. Lee, Star-Bulletin Forrest and Shaun Peck were among those who petitioned the city for a skate ramp in the park.
Government is so slow.
After attending some 20 meetings, and despite his success, he's decided he will never seek a career in government because of the lengthy process of decision-making. It's discouraging because you feel there's nothing you can do about it. But, in response to the skateboarders, the city Parks Department will ask the City Council for Capital Improvement Projects funds that should be available next July, she said. City spokeswoman Carol Costa said the cost of the temporary wooden ramp was absorbed by the parks department. Estimates for the cost of the permanent skate park are expected in a few weeks, she said.