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Hawaii News

State considers fees at parks

Nonresidents would have to pay entrance fees at several popular neighbor island state parks if the state Land Board approves a proposal at its meeting Thursday.

The Board of Land and Natural Resources wants to charge fees to help pay for maintenance and repairs at the parks, which have lost funding because of the state’s budget problems.

A proposal before the Land Board suggests entrance fees of $1 per visitor — whether on foot, bicycle or motorcycle — and $5 per vehicle.

Commercial tour vehicles that carry up to seven passengers would pay $10 for all passengers. Those that can carry up to 25 passengers would pay $20, and larger vehicles would pay $40.

Local residents would not have to pay.

Parks and monuments targeted for entry fees are:

» The Big Island’s Hapuna Beach State Recreational Area, and Akaka Falls and Kekaha Kai state parks.

» Maui’s Makena State Park and Iao Valley State Monument.

» Kauai’s Haena, Kokee and Waimea Canyon state parks.

At Thursday’s meeting the board will also decide whether to start hiring private companies to run the collection systems.

Nonresidents have been paying $3 a vehicle since March to park at the Nuuanu Pali lookout. The proposal before the board also suggests a $1 entrance fee at the Pali for motorcyclists, bicyclists and those who walk in.

 

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