PUBLIC INVITED TO DISCUSS IDEAS FOR MASTER PLANS FOR KOKE‘E AND WAIMEA CANYON STATE PARKS

The Department of Land and Natural Resources Division of State Parks invites the public to discuss their ideas for a comprehensive master plan for the Koke‘e and Waimea Canyon State Parks at a meeting on Saturday, November 3, 2001, from 10 a.m. until noon, at the Waimea Theatre, in Waimea, Kaua‘i.

The Legislature appropriated, and Governor Cayetano allotted $500,000 to prepare the park plan. The Division of State Parks is asking the community to provide their thoughts, concerns and suggestions on all aspects that should be covered in the plan.

State Parks Administrator Daniel Quinn stated, “The aging park facilities in the 6,200 acres Koke‘e and Waimea Canyon State Park complex make it difficult to meet the needs of the many different park users. In addition, all park leases need to be re-evaluated. A comprehensive master plan will assess the condition of the park and its resources, park use and users, infrastructure and facilities, and the full range of options for park management, development and enhancement. The natural, cultural and recreational resources within the park and the adjacent forest reserves will be addressed in the plan providing an opportunity for comprehensive departmental management wherein all the Department’s divisions participate.”

Quinn noted, “The plan objectives will include the preservation of park resources and enhancement of park facilities, interpretive programs and recreational opportunities that residents and visitors expect at a premier state park. At the same time, the State wishes to preserve the unique historic character of Koke‘e State Park, one that island residents cherish and visitors enjoy.”

Public input from the meeting will be used to develop the consultant contract for the park plan. Actual planning work will be underway by mid-2002. DLNR will work closely with the community during the planning process, and is planning a series of community meetings for each stage of the process. A draft plan will be completed by late 2003, and will be presented to the community for comment. Those comments will be incorporated and the plan will then be presented to the Board of Land and Natural Resources for acceptance. An environmental impact statement will follow.

DLNR Chairperson Gilbert Coloma-Agaran said, “We hope the community will take this opportunity to work hand in hand with the Department to develop the comprehensive master plan for these two exceptional state parks. We look forward to working with the community to get this plan off to a good start.”

For more information regarding the planning project, contact State Parks planners Sherrie Samuels (808-587-0296) or Lauren Tanaka (808-587-0293) in Honolulu. Comments and suggestions may also be faxed to 808-587-0311 or by e-mail to hi.parks@pixi.com

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