The Department of Land and Natural Resources will have three public meetings to gather input on a parking plan for the Ala Wai harbor. All meetings will be held in the Jefferson Elementary School cafeteria, 324 Kapahulu Avenue, Honolulu, from 6 to 8 p.m. as follows:
First Meeting: Wednesday, April 9
Second Meeting: Wednesday, April 16
Third Meeting: Wednesday, April 30
The original plans would have replaced free parking spaces with pay parking. Surfers who frequent Bowls and other spots near there objected to having to pay just so they could go surf. Families that also want to use the cleaned-up lagoon area in front of the Hilton Rainbow Village, would have to pay to go to that beach area as well if they parked there.
The DLNR's rationale is that someone has to pay for the upkeep of the harbor area. But are locals who use the ocean the ones who should foot that bill? What's next -- paid parking at our other public beaches? Perhaps, so.
If you can't make the meetings, you may send suggestions and comments on the Ala Wai harbor parking plan to:
Clifford Inn
DLNR Division of Boating and Ocean Recreation
333 Queen Street, Suite 300
Honolulu, Hawai‘i 96813
Or email him at: Clifford.G.Inn@hawaii.gov
Results of these meetings will be presented at a future date to the Board of Land and Natural Resources for consideration and possible adoption. The last BLNR hearing on this plan drew over a hundred protesters, forcing the BLNR to postpone a decision until more public input was gathered. So this is your last chance to speak out against the State's pay to play plan!
No comments:
Post a Comment