Report Title:

Kokee and Waimea Canyon State Parks

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

H.R. NO.

67

TWENTY-FIRST LEGISLATURE, 2001

  

STATE OF HAWAII

  
   

HOUSE RESOLUTION

 

requesting implementation of a comprehensive master plan for kokee and waimea canyon state parks.

 

 

WHEREAS, the island of Kauai boasts some of the most spectacular scenery in the State for backpacking, mountain biking, and horseback riding; and

WHEREAS, west Kauai features the natural beauty of the Waimea Canyon and Kokee State Parks, portions of the Puu Ka Pele and Na Pali-Kona Forest Reserves, Alakai Wilderness, and the Kuia Natural Area Reserve; and

WHEREAS, these natural resources attract nearly 1,000,000 visitors and residents every year to the region, placing enormous strains on an already fragile ecosystem and limited, deteriorating infrastructure and facilities; and

WHEREAS, the natural resources in the Kokee area are deteriorating faster than they can be managed, exacerbated by declining resource management budgets and increased demand, both by the general public and emerging commercial operators; and

WHEREAS, the existing infrastructure of necessities such as water and sewer systems is inadequate to meet current and future needs; and

WHEREAS, the inadequacy in the maintenance and repair of existing park facilities has been compounded by severe cuts to funding and staff; and

WHEREAS, the Legislature recognizes there is an urgent need to repair and maintain the existing infrastructure and to provide adequate staffing and equipment to serve the visitors of Kokee and Waimea Canyon State Parks; and

WHEREAS, the Legislature recognizes that the State must conduct a comprehensive review of activities, facilities, and environmental management programs within Kokee and Waimea Canyon State Parks to effectively determine future plans for the parks activity mix and capacity; now, therefore,

BE IT RESOLVED by the House of Representatives of the Twenty-first Legislature of the State of Hawaii, Regular Session of 2001, that the Department of Land and Natural Resources is requested to complete a comprehensive master plan for Kokee and Waimea Canyon State Parks; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the master plan include but not be limited to:

(1) Repair and maintenance of roads, including safety upgrades;

(2) Repair, upgrade, and maintenance of the water supply and sewage systems;

(3) Evaluations and recommendations of approaches to enhance revenues such as user fees for cabins, trails, campgrounds, and concessions;

(4) Development of additional cabins and campsites;

(5) Review of long-term leases;

(6) Review of existing hiking trails;

(7) Solicitation of proposals for concessions and dining facilities operated by private vendors;

(8) Review of fishing seasons;

(9) Planting of maile and mokihana, as well as other types of flora and fauna;

(10) Development of long-range plans; and

(11) Conditions, issues, and management needs for the area's natural resources within and adjacent to the Kokee and Waimea Canyon State Parks that are affected by park users;

and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Chairperson of the Board of Land and Natural Resources is requested to:

(1) Facilitate the planning and collaboration of the master plan with the appropriate divisions of the Department of Land and Natural Resources, existing lessees, and other stakeholders and interested parties;

(2) Prioritize areas of need for Kokee and Waimea Canyon State Parks; and

(3) Determine how to best fund and implement programs and projects to address areas of priority as indicated in the master plan for Kokee and Waimea Canyon State Parks;

and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that a report of the status of this request be submitted to the Legislature no later than twenty days before the convening of the Regular Session of 2002; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that a certified copy of this Resolution be transmitted to the Chairperson of the Board of Land and Natural Resources.

 

 
 

OFFERED BY:

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