The future of Koke’e and Waimea State Parks will be the subject of a state meeting set for Oct. 9 at the Kekeha Neighborhood Center. The meeting, scheduled from 5 to 8 p.m., is the first of four meetings planned
The future of Koke’e and Waimea State Parks will be the subject of a state meeting set for Oct. 9 at the Kekeha Neighborhood Center.
The meeting, scheduled from 5 to 8 p.m., is the first of four meetings planned by DLNR’s division of state parks to get public input for the preservation and management of the natural, historical and cultural resources within the park system.
Through the meetings and its interaction with the public, DLNR officials hope to also enhance interpretative and recreational opportunities and to improve existing facilities.
The future of leases for 110 cabins in the park complex also is likely to be brought up by leaseholders. The leases were first offered in 1985 and most are set to expire December 2005.
Most leaseholders would like to extend them if possible, although the state has said that an auction of the leases, as was the case in 1985, could be conducted.
DLNR officials will explain the planning process and will solicit public comments on ways to improve the park system.
“A full range of options will be explored for the management and future development of the area with recommendations made for each resource, use, issue and area of concern,” said Dan Quinn, administrator of the DLNR division of state parks.
Quinn said a “community-based process” has been initiated to get public comments and for the public to work with the state and consultant to develop the plan.
For more information, contact Chester Koga at 1-808-842-1133 or Lauren Tanaka, a state parks planner, at 1-808-587-0293.
Information can be obtained on www.state.hi.us/dlnr/chair/pio/pionr.htm
