Mother Waldron Park History

The park is named for Margaret Waldron, who in the 1930s was a school teacher and director of the nearby Atkinson Park.

She was known as the "saint of Kakaako" credited with turning Kakaako youth gang members into law abiding citizens through her playground work.

 The 1.7 acre park and play ground is on the National Register of Historic places not only for Margaret Waldron, but also for the design of the building.

Architect Harry Sims Bent designed several Honolulu city's park buildings, including Mother Waldron's, in art deco and modern themes featuring angular zig-zag designs and curved shapes.

Rhoades says rail would benefit the lower income constituents in his Downtown and Chinatown district, but he can’t see the route changing from Halekauwila.

"Realistically it’s not going to happen. I would say it’s one in a million. It’s too much money," said Rhoades.

Rhoades said he has been told the price tag could be 4 to 8 times higher, if the route were to go underground.

Brower, too. believes a route change is unrealistic.

"I hope these setbacks will mean it’s a better rail system once it’s developed," said Brower.

Two area lawmakers, watching carefully to see which side of the tracks the train will run -- if at all.