Our Library Lights are STILL Off: How a Closed Library Reveals a Bigger Problem in Kāneʻohe

On a quiet afternoon in Kāneʻohe, an eight-year-old and a four-year-old press their faces against the glass doors of our library, filled with hope that today might be the day it opens again. Next to them, Auntie adjusts her bag, once brimming with books and magazines, but now simply holding memories of what used to be. For over two years, those doors have remained closed, leaving a void in our community. Our keiki have missed valuable opportunities to learn and connect, while our kupuna have missed the warmth of community and companionship. It breaks our hearts to see this ongoing situation, so we can’t help but ask: why has it been closed for so long, and what steps are being taken to reopen it? Kāneʻohe deserves answers and, more importantly, action.

On December 26, 2025, @KaneoheCommunity posted on Instagram, “The temporary library pop-up situated in Windward Mall will close [on] Dec. 31 in preparation for the reopening of the Kaneohe Public Library...” However, community members are left wondering whether it will ever reopen. 

The eight and four-year-olds are my sons. They are the reason I’m running. What once was a place of learning and community for my family became a desolate reminder of the disconnect between families and those who are meant to represent us. I’d love to know the status of this project; however, no one seems to have the answer. Various state officials during our Kaneohe Town Hall meetings have updated the reopening timeline from Fall 2025 to Spring 2026 to “Soon.” “Soon” is not a good enough answer for my ‘ohana. Is it good enough for yours?

This is a small example of a much LARGER ISSUE. If this is where money is supposed to be going, why don’t we know anything about it? I’d like to know how our tax dollars are being spent and how our elected officials are tracking these projects and advocating for their completion.

Community buildings are shut down, small businesses are struggling, and the rising cost of living is impacting us directly. Who’s actually doing something about it? I’d like to know.