Hearings Begin On Park Fees Hikes

HONOLULU - KITV.com

Hearings begin this week across the state on a proposal to hike fees at our boat harbors and raise rates for camping permits.

Wind and rain didn't stop visitors from getting a peek at the view from the Nuuanu Pali Lookout Monday afternoon.

At least one visitor KITV spoke with on Monday said charging for parking wouldn't keep him from coming back.

"If they're going to spend it on the environment and to keep the park clean and all that I think it'd be a good idea," said Brian Gronhog, from Denmark.

In the next couple of months, it will be the first state park to charge tourists $3 to $5 for parking under a plan the Department of Land and Natural Resources said it needs to maintain our parks and harbors.

Parks Facing New Fees:

Big Island:

Akaka Falls State Park

Hapuna Beach State Recreation Area

Maui:

Makena State Park

Iao Vally State Monument

Oahu:

Ka Iwi Scenic Shoreline

Nuuanu Pali State Wayside

Kauai:

Haena State Park

Kokee and Waimea Canyon State parks

"They're in very shameful condition and in some cases they're in unsafe condition," said DLNR Chairperson Laura Thielen.

The Land Board earlier this year approved new parking fees for tourists at eight state parks, including the Ka Iwi scenic shoreline. But, the public can still weigh in on the proposal to hike rates for camping permits and mooring fees.

DLNR wants to raise $240 million for capital improvement projects because it said it needs to keep the parks open, but some residents call it an empty threat.

"Hawaii itself cannot afford to shut down it's greatest tourist attractions which are the parks itself," said Hawaii resident Nicholas Yannariello. "Personally I think it's kind of a lame excuse to raise nickel and dime funds for something they need big solutions for."

About $12 million will come from leased undeveloped land in West Oahu, but the state said it will take time to see that money and it can't wait.

"We are down to pennies in operating our parks it's really in heartbreaking condition and we need to take care of these places," said Thielen.

List of Public Hearings:

Nov. 3

Kauai 6 p.m. Kamakahelei Middle School Cafeteria

Molokai 6 p.m. Mitchell Pauole Center

Big Island 6 p.m. Hilo State Office Building Conference Room A

Nov. 4

Big Island 6 p.m. Old Kona Airport Pavilion

Maui 6 p.m. Seaflight Building, Maalaea Boat Harbor

Nov. 5

Lanai 5 p.m. Lanai Senior Center

Nov. 9

Oahu 6 p.m. Jefferson Elementary School cafeteria

Most Popular Stories at KITV

• Dirty Dining: Restaurant Inspections Plunge
• Maui Land & Pine Ends Pineapple Production
• Waikiki Retailers Halloween Business Bleak
• Dirty Dining: Inspections Find Rats, Roaches
• Men Sought In Sexual Assault, Beating

MORE FROM KITV-TV

KITV-TV Section Front

Crowds Flock To See Monster North Shore Surf Find Out What HI Stores Are Open, When HSTA Levels More Criticism At Governor's Plan Rain Shuts Down Roads On Kauai Motorcyclist Dies In Maui Crash KITV-TV Section Front   Add KITV-TV headlines to your news reader: