Recreation Facility Improvement Plan
The Lingle Administration has announced a comprehensive “Recreational Renaissance Program” which seeks to rehabilitate the states parks, trails and ocean recreation facilities. The rationale is this; the state’s 54 state parks, 20 small boat harbors, 25 boat ramps or landings, 275 miles of hiking trails, 19 natural area reserves, 55 forest reserves and hundreds of miles of state beaches are in critical condition and in need of major improvements.
Strategy
The administration, in concert with DLNR and other state agencies, developed a comprehensive strategy to develop new land and ocean recreational opportunities through public-private partnerships. In theory, it will minimize the cost to the state while supporting long-term demand for more recreational places, and ease pressure on existing popular recreational spaces.
Show Us The Money
The proposed funding plan calls for revenue generating activities to support development and long-term maintenance, which sounds like a common sense approach given the historical neglect of our recreation facilities and current economic conditions.
Are you for it or against it?
Should the plan be struck down over claims the DLNR is incompetent? Can they be trusted to administer an initiative of this magnitude? Is commercialization on any scale always a detriment to the residents of Hawaii? Is there a better way to improve recreational facilities without taxing the citizens of the state? Should public lands be sold or leased to generate revenue?
Significant changes to Hawaii’s public policy is in the House and now is the time for every Hawaii citizen to study the issue and develop an opinion so you can inform and influence your legislators – not the other way around.
Visit the DLNR Recreation Renaissance website for complete details.
Tags: Hawaii Boating, Hawaii Marinas, Hawaii Ocean, Hawaii Ocean Policy
