Special Fund Concerns East Oahu Boaters

A new Recreational Renaissance Plan created by the state Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) promises new and improved facilities at area harbors and beaches, but some community organizations are hesitant to jump on board due to the state's neglect of existing facilities thus far.

The Recreational Renaissance Plan, which is defined as "a rebirth in the way we care for our land and ocean recreational spaces, our natural and cultural resources, and the residents and visitors at Hawaii's State Parks, small boat harbors, boat ramps, hiking trails, natural area reserves, forest reserves and beaches," is currently packaged as House Bill 980 House Draft 1 under the state Legislature.

In support of the projects in the Renaissance plan, this bill will create a new special fund within DLNR that allows the department to be quicker in its contracting jobs.

"House Bill 980, that's currently before legislature, is just asking for approval from the legislature for the Department of Land and Natural Resources to raise funds in a new way," explained Laura Stevens, DLNR education and outreach coordinator. "DLNR had a lot of land assets, and currently, we are the landholders for the state. We usually lease it out if another department needs land for a project or leases for its charter schools and various things, but now, under this plan, the land division would be assisting the whole department by using revenues to fund capital improvement projects at parks, trails and ocean recreation facilities."

She continued, "House Bill 980 is really the key of it. If that passes, the department would have new ways to fund improvements to parks, trails and ocean recreation facilities. Without the Recreational Renaissance Plan passing through, there won't be funds available."

East Oahu projects that are currently being proposed include those at Maunalua Bay Boat Ramp, Diamond Head State Monument Linear Park and Waahila Ridge State Recreation Area. Also included among proposed projects are entry road and lookout projects at Ka Iwi Shoreline, where residents may see new apparatus and facilities, such as channel markers, a launch ramp, boat wash-down areas, a loading dock, a comfort station, an event ramp at the canoe club area, as well as parking and roadway improvements, in the future.

"(East Oahu residents) would definitely see some things immediately in their own areas, and then also different opportunities to recreate statewide," Stevens stated. "One of the plans is to develop a string of parks on the Big Island. It would mean a great opportunity for any boaters in East Oahu. The idea for the string of parks along the Big Island was to have different mooring facilities, so you can traverse either ocean or land, and then camp either in developed campsites or wilderness campsites. It'd just be a new recreational opportunity."

However, community members are concerned with the way funds will be used and only hope that the state will direct specific funds toward East Oahu sites.

"As president of the Hawaii Kai Marina Community Association, we have not taken a position on this bill," Steve Carr said. "It is quite obvious the DLNR and DOBAR (Department of Boating and Recreation) are looking for funds to repair and augment existing infrastructures. If user fees were collected at the state boat ramp at Maunalua Bay, they should be used for the site only, and not kicked to the general fund. The state has done very little for the boating community." He continued, "Just look at the deplorable conditions of the various harbors and public launching facilities."

The goals of the Recreational Renaissance Plan are to increase and improve facilities at parks, trails, harbors, forest reserves and beaches for residents and visitors; provide education and interpretive programs on Hawaii's history, culture and environment; upgrade and maintain recreational facilities and spaces in prime condition, as well as provide customer-friendly access; and prepare the next generation of recreational infrastructure improvements through a long-term strategy.

This strategy includes $240 million in capital improvements over five years for recreational infrastructure, to be supported by $40 million in General Obligation bonds, and new revenue from commercial and industrial rents on state lands and limited fees to pay off the debt service on $200 million in General Obligation Reimbursable bonds, which is basically a loan.

Secondly, DLNR plans to receive dedicated revenue from limited fees, leases and concessions in parks and harbors.

Thirdly, DLNR will adopt national model standards for maintenance schedules to upgrade the current park and harbor standards.

Finally, DLNR hopes to develop new land and ocean recreational opportunities through public-private partnerships, which will minimize the cost to the state and support the longtime demand for more recreational places.

"While we agree that ideally the state would fund these goals from general funds, the reality is that has not happened for the past 20 years, and I don't see that changing in the next five years," Stevens said. "So the choice is stark: Let it crumble and rot, or let us raise money to fix it."

DLNR representatives hosted a meeting at Kamiloiki Elementary School earlier this week to discuss and collect community input on the Recreational Renaissance Plan and the specific capital improvement projects for Maunalua Bay within that plan. Input was also sought on House Bill 1310, a proposal introduced by Rep. Gene Ward that hopes to delete the prohibition of commercial operation of thrill craft, water sledding, parasailing or high-speed boating in Maunalua Bay on Saturdays.

"The Department of Land and Natural Resources is neutral on this bill," Stevens shared. "That bill would affect recreational uses within the area, but the bill itself doesn't have any effect on the Recreational Renaissance. The legislation for Recreational Renaissance is just the first step for the legislature to approve new funding methods for improvements for the department statewide.

"This bill, if passed by the legislature, gives the Department of Land and Natural Resources the green light to finance infrastructure improvements at parks, trails and ocean recreation facilities in a new way," she continued. "If people are in support of this, or if it's something that they would like to see a change in the way that recreational facilities are managed across the state, they should contact their representatives and their senators to show support for this."

For more information on the Recreational Renaissance Plan, visit www.hawaii.gov/dlnr/recreate. To express comments on the plan, send e-mail to RecreationalRenaissance@yahoo.com.