HONOLULU — The state Department of Land and Natural Resources Division of State Parks is updating the Hawai‘i Statewide Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan, and is seeking community participation in the process.
Preparation of the SCORP every five years maintains Hawai‘i’s eligibility to receive funds from the Land & Water Conservation Fund.
LWCF is a federal grant program administered by the National Park Service that assists states and local governments with the acquisition of recreational lands and the development and renovation of recreation facilities.
Since 1967, the state and its four counties have received more than $38 million in LWCF grants for the acquisition and development of outdoor-recreation lands and facilities.
With the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, increased participation in outdoor recreation and local climate impacts, many outdoor recreation places and resources are undergoing significant changes in sustainability and public behavior. There is an increase in competing interests between recreational and cultural uses of recreation venues that are also part of a significant cultural landscape, according to a state press release.
The 2021 update of the SCORP offers a timely opportunity to re-evaluate Hawai‘i’s recreational needs and trends of statewide importance.
Virtual meetings held in April and May in partnership with consultant PBR Hawai‘i will provide an opportunity for members of the community to identify and discuss recreation needs, trends and priorities for the acquisition and development of outdoor-recreation facilities.
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, all 2021 SCORP meetings will be held virtually via Zoom. Visit dlnr.hawaii.gov/dsp/scorp/ for information on how to join the meetings.
General information meetings
Join these meetings remotely for general information, including an overview of the SCORP, followed by opportunities for questions and comments:
• Wednesday, April 7, 6 to 7:30 p.m.;
• Saturday, April 10, 9 to 10:30 a.m.
Island-specific discussions
The following meetings are all from 6 to 7:30 p.m., and will start with a brief presentations, followed by opportunities for comments and questions:
• Kaua‘i — Monday, April 12;
• Moloka‘i — Thursday, April 15;
• Maui — Monday, April 19;
• Hawai‘i Island — Tuesday, April 20;
• O‘ahu — Wednesday, April 21.
Hot-topic conversations
Join these meetings remotely for an in-depth discussion focused on priority issues that emerged over the course of the public0engagement process.
• Friday, May 21, noon to 1:30 p.m.;
• Saturday, May 22, 9 to 10:30 a.m.;
• Monday, May 24, 6 to 7:30 p.m.
The bushes and trees have taken over the lookouts at Wailua and Opeakaa falls. If we can’t keep these clear how can we expect anything else be taken care of?