PLANNING FOR KOKE'E AND WAIMEA CANYON TOPIC OF PUBLIC MEETING BY DLNR

The future of Koke'e and Waimea Canyon State Parks on Kaua'i is the subject of a public information meeting being held by Dept. of Land and Natural Resources on Wednesday, October 9 from 5-8 p.m. at the Kekaha Neighborhood Center's main hall.

It is the first in a series of four informational meetings planned by the Division of State Parks to involve the public in a planning process to preserve and manage the natural, historic and cultural resources of the parks and surrounding regions, to enhance interpretive and recreational opportunities, and to improve existing facilities.

At the meeting, Division of State Parks planners will explain the master planning process, and invite the community's input to develop issues, concerns, opportunities and recommendations for the plan.

Division of State Parks Administrator Daniel S. Quinn says, " 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. A community-based planning process has been initiated and members of the community and interested parties/groups are encouraged to share their ideas and concerns and to work with the state and consultant to develop the plan."

Subsequent meetings will be scheduled in accordance with the completion of reports that will be prepared for the comprehensive master plan and environmental impact statement. For more information, call Chester Koga at 842-1133 or Lauren Tanaka, State Parks planner at (808) 587-0293.

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