The Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) has begun a multi-year initiative to repair, replace or improve its facilities at its 69 state parks located on Kaua‘i and islands across the state.
“We are implementing Governor Lingle’s initiative to improve our parks. This is one of DLNR’s most significant capital improvement priorities,” said Peter Young, DLNR chairperson.
“Hawai‘i’s state parks are among our most spectacular natural resources, enjoyed by residents, and visitors from around the world,” said Young. “However, recognizing that the number one concern of park visitors has been the condition of restrooms and other facilities, we are working to improve them.”
“Newer facilities will ensure greater health and safety conditions at state parks for residents and visitors, better maintenance and ability to handle the increased volume of park users,” Young said.
“Our state parks are an integral part of Hawai‘i’s visitor product,” said Marsha Wienert, state tourism liaison. “Governor Lingle and I have been working with DLNR and the visitor industry to address the park improvements, and the plans DLNR are implementing will benefit our residents and visitors alike.”
Some $15 million has been allocated to the DLNR in general obligation bond funding for state park improvements.
Of that sum, $5 million will go towards the first major reconstruction of state parks restrooms since the parks system was established over 40 years ago.
On Kaua‘i, restroom renovation projects are planned for Koke‘e State Park and Wailua River State Park.
Additional projects within the Wailua River State Park include improvements to the viewing platform at Fern Grotto and clearing brush around the Malae Heiau.
At the Wailua River Marina, renovations will be made to the comfort station at the pavilion and accessible routes provided to the boat docks.
The remaining $10-million is needed to remove and replace park cesspools statewide. Approximately 36 percent of state parks have wastewater systems that do not meet Environmental Protection Agency standards.
DLNR is also partnering with the Hawai‘i Tourism Authority (HTA) to improve park facilities across the state. HTA support and funding from the transient accommodations tax monies total $1.7 million for park improvements.
“We appreciate the partnership with the Hawai‘i Tourism Authority to make a difference for Hawai‘i’s parks for our residents and visitors.”
A recent survey by HTA shows that Ha‘ena State Park is the second most visited park in the state system with 741,969 visitors annually.
Including Ha‘ena State Park, Kaua‘i is home to five of the top ten most visited parks in the state HTA funding will also go toward the immediate implementation of a Ha‘ena State Park protection plan consisting of an onsite park ranger, cultural signage and porta-potties.
Improvements at Koke‘e State Park will include repaving the access road and parking lot at Pu‘u Kila lookout; resurfacing and widening the road to the ranger station and museum; and resurfacing the main parking lot at Kalalau lookout.
On the Net: www.hawaii.gov/dlnr
