The tension surrounding Koke‘e’s future is continuing. The state park’s advisory council is advocating for keeping the park as is while the Department of Land and Natural Resources prepares to implement Recreational Renaissance Plan B (“Back to Basics”), whose intent
The tension surrounding Koke‘e’s future is continuing.
The state park’s advisory council is advocating for keeping the park as is while the Department of Land and Natural Resources prepares to implement Recreational Renaissance Plan B (“Back to Basics”), whose intent is to increase repair and maintenance while raising funds for future capital improvements.
The volunteer council has heard numerous testimonies from the public (viewable at www.kokeeadvisory.org/comments.htm). The majority of which indicate a passion for preserving the park’s natural beauty.
On the other hand, the DLNR suffers from a lack of funding which they are trying to counteract by raising revenue through entry fee stations at several state parks, including Koke‘e. Though entry fees would not apply to residents, the council members have expressed distaste for them and desire alternative means of raising money to support the parks.
The main area of contention discussed during Tuesday’s council meeting concerns the upcoming auction of recreational residences in Koke‘e. While many residents have indicated they prefer a lottery system — a member of the public declared it “fairest for the locals” — the law currently provides for an auction only. This is something that the advisory council members hope will change.
Another member of the public lamented that an auction will favor the “people with deep pockets,” thus shutting out most locals. Chairperson Canen Ho’okano urged residents to contact their legislators if they wish to see this law amended.
The council also discussed the design guidelines for the historic district, agreeing that the priority is to preserve the current Koke‘e vernacular.
To read more about Recreational Renaissance Plan B, visit hawaii.gov/dlnr/recreate. To review the proposed administrative rule changes, visit hawaii.gov/dlnr/rules. To submit testimony in person, there will be a public hearing at 6 p.m., Tuesday, in the Chiefess Kamakahelei Middle School cafeteria.
To keep up with the latest on the Koke‘e State Park Advisory Council news, visit www.kokeeadvisory.org.
