HONOLULU -- Art sales along the fence around the Honolulu Zoo and craft fairs in Kapiolani Park may soon become a thing of the past.

A local organization argued that the park was created to be a free recreation area for residents and should be devoid of commercial activities.

KITV's Denby Fawcett reported that craft fairs and art sales in Kapiolani Park are familiar sights.

But Kapiolani Park Preservation Society said that the commercialization is getting out of hand and was absolutely prohibited by the founders of the park.

"The people that throw these events monopolize a portion of the park and tie up parking," said Kapiolani Preservation Society board member Sid Snyder. "And meanwhile, basically shove the people of Hawaii out of the use of the park -- especially on weekends."

The city defended the art and craft sales

"The city's position is we support this activity here in Kapiolani Park, and we believe, more importantly, that the park trust allows for this kind of culturally recreational activity," said city spokesman Bill Brennan.

Zoo Fence artists said they hope the court lets them stay. They encouraged passersbys to sign a petition.

"We do a lot of good here. We have been here for a long time," said Art at the Zoo Fence Treasurer Margaret Giles.

"I don't feel that we are just sitting here collecting money. I feel we are also educational," said Art at the Zoo Fence President Lydia Chadick.

The issue would be more clear-cut if Kapiolani were a normal city park, but it is different. Kapiolani Park was set up by a charitable trust in 1896 to be governed by its own rules and administered by trustees who are now Honolulu's nine city council members.

Council member Charles Djou said he thinks the art and crafts sales are OK.

"Right now where it stands, I think it is more artistic than it is retail, but of course we will continue to monitor it," Djou said.

A state court judge is expected to decide what's allowed at a hearing on Dec. 14.