Residents concerned with the future of Koke‘e and Waimea state parks can have their say Monday when the state Department of Land and Natural Resources takes public testimony on the draft master plan and environmental impact statement. The meeting is
Residents concerned with the future of Koke‘e and Waimea state parks can have their say Monday when the state Department of Land and Natural Resources takes public testimony on the draft master plan and environmental impact statement.
The meeting is at 5 p.m. at the Kaua‘i War Memorial Convention Hall in Lihu‘e.
Among the changes, DLNR has dropped the proposed hotel from consideration.
The primary goals of the master plan for the parks are the preservation, enhancement and management of the natural, historic and cultural resources and the upgrade of interpretive programs and recreational opportunities, the DLNR says.
“DLNR has been listening to and reviewing the recent public input,” said chairman Peter Young in a release. “Based on the recent recommendations, we have made some significant changes to the plan and EIS and confirmed our commitment to protecting these parks.”
Young stressed that the parks are Kaua‘i and Hawai‘i treasures.
“We want to make sure the correct thing happens there,” Young said.
The public can give input on clarifications and revisions DLNR recently made to the plan.
In addition to dropping the 40- to 60-room lodge, done because “recent opposition clearly shows there is limited support for this to be considered in the final master plan,” DLNR says, other changes include specifying that the helicopter landing zone in the park would only be used for government and maintenance purposes.
Also, no lookout improvements will be made in the area of “secret bluff,” also known as the Brennecke/Porter cabins site.
Through the revisions, the DLNR is striving to reconfirm to the public that the goal of the master plan is to upgrade the park while preserving the existing character.
The reasoning, DLNR officials say, is to improve infrastructure, not generate revenue.
The new language also addresses allegations that the DLNR is actively trying to restrict Kaua‘i residents from having access to the leases of the Koke‘e cabins.
Furthermore, only nonresidents will be charged an entry fee to the park.
The draft master plan can be viewed online at www.state.hi.us/dlnr/dsp.
Individuals requiring special assistance should contact the Division of State Parks at (808) 587-0293 today.
