Hawaii pushes for new fees for aging parks
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PUHI, Hawaii (AP) — Planned increases in park and boating fees are being opposed by most Hawaii residents who have spoken at public hearings held across the state.
The money would be used to repair and maintain Hawaii's aging outdoor recreational facilities, but residents and some businesses are complaining about new tourist entry fees and boat mooring rate increases. The final public hearing is scheduled for Oahu on Monday.
"The rate increases they are suggesting are ridiculous. I don't think they realize that this money they think they're going to be getting, they aren't going to get because we can't afford it," said Susan LeHoven, who testified at the Kauai hearing.
One boat owner on Maui said his daily mooring fee would more than triple, from $18.50 to $70 a day. Another boater on Kauai said the cost of anchoring his small boat would jump from $30 to $1,000 a month. The fees vary widely depending on location and vessel size.
Others were more concerned about a proposed $1 walk-in entry fee that would be imposed on tourists at eight state parks. Residents would be exempted from the fee, but tour companies are against the measure.
A $5-per-car tourist entrance fee at those eight parks was already previously imposed by the state Board of Land and Natural Resources.
Despite the vocal opposition to the plan at the public meetings, many other Hawaii residents and more than 30 organizations have submitted written comments in support, said Laura Thielen, director for the Department of Land and Natural Resources.
"We are trying to work with everybody, understanding that the economy is tough. But the bottom line is that we get complaints from the tourism industry that our parks are in shameful condition," Thielen said. "They're in terrible shape. They need to be improved so that they're safe and so that residents have access to them."
The fees are an alternative to a more expansive $240 million recreation proposal that state lawmakers failed to approve during last spring's legislative session.
The proposed fee increases, along with a plan to commercially lease state land, would raise an estimated $8 million annually in new revenue for repair, maintenance and operations in state parks, harbors, hiking trails, boat ramps and piers.
"We're not trying to make money. We're trying to stay open," said Curt Cottrel, assistant director for the Division of State Parks, speaking at the Hilo meeting.
After the public hearings, the department's staff will present their findings to the Small Business Regulatory Review Board. They'll have to decide whether to change the plan, hold more public meetings or advance the proposal to the Board of Natural Resources for a vote.
Other proposed changes would start an online reservation and payment system for camping and loading, with higher rates and special use permits for commercial tour operators and updated penalties for rule violations.
The Department of Land and Natural Resources also is seeking the authority to open public shooting ranges.
