Recreation Renaissance
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Recreational Renaissance: A re-birth in the way we care for our land and ocean recreational spaces, our natural and cultural resources, and the residents and visitors at Hawai‘i’s State Parks, small boat harbors, boat ramps, hiking trails, natural area reserves, forest reserves and beaches.
Reinvigorated parks, trails and natural area systems and improved small boat harbors and ocean access give us the kind of life experiences that we seek. There are 10 million visits by residents and tourists each year to our State parks and many more to our trails, harbors, and other ocean access facilities. Our State parks and other natural areas can create a lasting memory for visitors – drawing them back for repeat visits. Residents flock to our State parks, trails, campgrounds and cabins for affordable vacations in some of the world’s most beautiful areas. An investment in our State parks and other recreational areas is an investment in our visitor industry and in a higher quality of life for those of who are blessed to call Hawai`i home.  The Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR), working with a team from several of our other departments, has developed a comprehensive proposal to renew our State parks, harbors, trails, and the very way we care for these precious places – a true “Recreational Renaissance” that will benefit all residents of and visitors to our State. The Recreational Renaissance sets a course to restore our parks, trails, small boat harbors and other ocean recreation facilities; enhance our environmental and cultural assets, and consistently maintain our recreational infrastructure and spaces. This will be done through a combination of new and existing commercial and industrial lease rents, and limited, modest fees. Components of the Plan:
The heart of the plan is $240 million in capital improvements over five years, supported by $40 million in general obligations bonds and $200 million in general obligation reimbursable bonds that will be repaid by DLNR at no cost to the taxpayer. $150 million is targeted for land-based recreation and $90 million for ocean-based recreation, and projects will be implemented across the islands each year, allowing all our residents to benefit from these improvements.  DLNR will fund this innovative plan by dedicating rents from some existing commercial properties to pay debt services, and developing now vacant industrial and commercial lands that will have the added benefit of serving the need for light industrial spaces in areas suitable for those uses. The second piece of the recreational renaissance strategy is to support the maintenance, restoration, interpretative signage, increased security and education programs with additional funding generated from leases and concessions in parks and harbors combined with a small entry fee for tourists only – residents will enter free – at a limited number of high-destination State parks. The third part of the plan includes adoption of national model standards for maintenance schedules in our parks and small boat harbors to regularly maintain and protect facilities, historic and cultural sites, and spaces like our trails. This will move us from being reactive – where failing facilities absorb our time and attention – to being proactive where we plan and budget in advance for the upkeep and maintenance these public investments deserve. The plan’s final piece is the development of new land and ocean recreational opportunities through a public-private partnership to develop the long-proposed Keehi Lagoon Triangle, adjacent to Lagoon Drive on Oahu. This centerpiece initiative will include 119 areas of light industrial space as a long-term source of revenue coupled with new marina slips, canoe club storage and practice areas, boat ramps, storage and dry docks, beach parks, and picnic areas. This development will provided much-needed new recreational places to our crowded urban core, and also generate long-term revenues to support the next generation of improvements. In all cases where revenues are developed from ceded lands, DLNR will honor their commitment of providing 20 percent of those revenues to the Office of Hawaiian Affairs.  In addition to upgrading our facilities, DLNR is developing new, creative recreational opportunities for residents by working collaboratively within the department and with external partners. A great example is the Ala Kahakai National Historic Trail on the island of Hawaii. Through a partnership with the National Park Service, DLNR will develop the first 30 miles of this 175 mile historic trail that strings together three State parks along pristine coastline. We will restore significant cultural sites and provide educational and new camping opportunities. We’ll also have a “blue water” trail, moorings and boat ramp improvements so people can travel by kayak, canoe, or boat. The ongoing management will be done in partnership with the National Parks, thereby bringing added resources to our recreational places and experiences. We can set the stage for a long overdue Recreational Renaissance that will provide all residents and visitors across our State with new and better recreational areas that are well-maintained, secure, and enriching. |
Key Legislation »
Important Dates »Recreation Renaissance Plan is unveiled January 16, 2009. Read more.
Related Information »
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