Pali Lookout fee exceeds expectations

A $3-per-vehicle parking fee for those visiting the Nuuanu Pali State Wayside park raised $26,000 during its first three months, according to the Department of Land and Natural Resources.

That equates to about $8,667 a month from March through May. The parking fee, which launched in March, was projected to generate $2,500 a month. Nonresidents who visit the Pali Lookout are asked to pay the fee at an "honor system" kiosk. Hawaii residents are not asked to pay.

A solar-powered pay station that is connected to the Internet was erected by the parking vendor hired by the state near the entrance to the lookout.

From 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., an attendant is on duty answering questions and checking residents’ IDs.

The park opens at 4 a.m. and closes at 8 p.m., so parking fee collection is on the honor system when the attendant is not there.