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KAHULUI - The dream of a late Maui philanthropist came true Saturday as a playground designed for children of all abilities finally opened in Kahului to the cheers of youngsters, supporters and dozens of volunteers who helped build the project.

The Hui Aloha playground at Keopuolani Park - conceived years ago as a "boundless" playground also accessible to children with disabilities - was finally blessed and open for play at a ceremony Saturday morning. The playground was once planned to be open two years ago, and construction began in May 2006.

At least 150 people showed up to the grand opening celebration for the 1-acre park, which is located at the former horseshoe pits on the makai side of Keopuolani's softball fields. The playground, which includes wheelchair ramps and other special features to provide access to people with disabilities, was launched by the late Masaru "Pundy" Yokouchi, who was touched by a magazine article about a grieving family who developed a playground where children of all abilities could play together.

Yokouchi, a real estate developer and a patron of the arts, obtained support from Maui County and island construction unions to create the park, which also features pavilions, swings, jungle gyms, a mini climbing wall and rubberized surfaces for safe play.

Yokouchi's widow, Shirley, said Saturday that her husband must be happy to see his dream a reality.

"He's watching from upstairs. I wish he was here," she said.

The children and families who turned out Saturday were also happy to start climbing, crawling, jumping and romping on the playground they'd been waiting for for years.

Misoo Mori of Kahului said she and her 3-year-old son, Jake, passed by the park on their way to his preschool, and he would ask her every day when it was going to be open.

"This is great," she said while admiring the playground as children were already climbing on the equipment and running around on the playground's rubberized surfaces.

Pat Matsui, the county chief of park planning and development, said the park took time to complete because it was built with volunteer labor, meaning most work had to be done on the weekends.

"I'm very amazed it's done so quickly," he said.

Matsui said the park cost more than $2 million, with the county kicking in $800,000, and the rest of the money coming from cash and in-kind donations, as well as volunteer labor from several unions.

Matsui said in his 30 years at the county this was the most significant volunteer effort he's seen.

"I don't think I'll see this again," he said. "A lot was Pundy, his influence."

Pundy Yokouchi enlisted the help of the carpenters, masons, electrical, operating engineers, laborers and roofers unions, his family said.

Bruce U'u, a Hawaii Carpenters Union field representative, said more than 200 union carpenters and apprentices put their muscle into building the playground.

U'u recognized that the park took extra time to build, but said, "With added time came added quality."

He pointed out rock veneers that were built that were not in the original plans, as well as other special touches to the project.

"Everyone can reap the benefits today," he said.

"We're proud that it's done," said Ricky Tamashiro, a coordinator of the masons unions' apprenticeship programs.

Tamashiro said there were "hiccups here and there," but everything worked out.

Mason apprentice David De Vera-Igarta got to reap the rewards of his work on the project as he enjoyed the park with his 2-year-old daughter, Makayla.

"I think it was a good experience. We can help the community," said the Hailiimaile resident.

His wife, Malia, who also participated on the project as a heavy equipment operator, said, "I love it. We'll be here a lot."

Union representatives credited project manager Karla Peters with the Department of Parks and Recreation for coordinating the project. The community group Pa Paani assisted with some of the park's design and planning.

Miki Yokouchi, Pundy's daughter, said at the blessing that her dad was "very touched" by everyone's willingness to help.

Officials said the playground's name, Hui Aloha Playground, came from the words "hui" meaning to gather, and "aloha" which has many meanings, including love, affection, compassion, kindness and charity.

* Melissa Tanji can be reached at mtanji@mauinews.com.