LIHUE — Kauai voters will decide who should have the authority to set golfing fees at the county-owned Wailua Golf Course.
The Kauai County Council voted unanimously Wednesday to put the issue to vote Nov. 4 on whether the mayor’s administration could approve golf course fee changes.
The County Council currently has the authority, and a change would require an amendment to the County Charter.
It will be up to the public to decide to approve or reject the amendment.
Councilwoman JoAnn Yukimura, who introduced the measure, said she recognizes that Wailua is a public course and should not be treated like a private one.
However, she said the county is “missing out on opportunities to increase revenue.”
Right now, Yukimura said the course is not self-sustainable.
“The operations of the Wailua Golf Course are currently subsidized by the General Fund (funded primarily by real property tax revenue) by approximately $1 million a year,” she wrote in her resolution.
The transfer in authority would mean a change in course fees would no longer have to go through the public hearing process, which can take weeks or months.
Instead, rate changes could be done quicker, when economic and seasonal changes in pay and customer base occur, according to Yukimura.
Councilman Gary Hooser said he agreed the county needs to increase revenue at the course, but that it should “tread very cautiously” and make sure the public is involved in the process.
During public hearings, people are allowed to testify and speak to the decision making board.
“There are a lot of seniors on fixed incomes, and this is their one great joy in life,” he said.
Councilman Ross Kagawa said Wednesday that there needs to be a better fee structure, one that attracts residents and non-residents alike.
Hearing that that the course often has open tee times during the busy summer months makes him think the county should be doing a better job than it is, Kagawa said.
Council Chair Jay Furfaro said sending the measure to a vote is only the “first step” in the process.
About $2.4 million is being proposed by Kauai Mayor Bernard Carvalho Jr. for the golf course next year.
In all, the golf course is expected to generate about $1.1 million in revenue from rent concessions, service charges and fees during the 2014-2015 fiscal year, which ends on June 30, according to county budget documents.
The 18-hole course is the only county-owned golf course on the island and known for its affordable rates.
