Parking Fees Proposed for Maui’s ʻĀhihi-Kinaʻu

Mākena at ʻĀhihi Kīnaʻu. Photo 4/29/15 by Wendy Osher

The state is proposing the establishment of parking fees for the ‘Āhihi-Kina‘u Natural Area Reserve on Maui in an effort to provide a self-sustaining funding source for the facility. Under the proposal, Hawai‘i residents will not be charged.

Testimony will be accepted at a hearing on Maui on Thursday, Nov. 10, 2016 starting at 6 p.m. at the Kīhei Community Center, 303 E. Līpoa Street.

The parking fees are, for now, particularly focused on the ‘Āhihi-Kina‘u Natural Area Reserve, which is the reason the hearing is being held on Maui.

The public will also have a chance to provide their thoughts and opinions on other proposed rule changes for Hawai‘i Natural Area Reserves, including an amendment to prohibit alcohol and drug use in natural area reserves.

The new rules also seek to amend permit provisions, establish closure hours, and establish provisions for removal of vehicles from natural area reserves.

The amended rules apply across the entire Natural Area Reserves System.

The rule amendments can be reviewed online, or at any branch office of the DLNR Division of Forestry and Wildlife from 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Monday through Friday, except state holidays. The Maui Division of Forestry and Wildlife branch office is at 1995 Main Street, Room 301 in Wailuku.

Anyone can testify or present information at the public hearing. Written comments may be addressed to Betsy Gagne, DLNR Division of Forestry and Wildlife, Natural Area Reserves Commission, 1151 Punchbowl Street, Room 325, Honolulu, HI 96813 or via e-mail to betsy.h.gagne@hawaii.gov with subject line of “Rule comments,” by Nov. 30, 2016. All comments will be incorporated into a summary with recommendations that will go to the Board of Land and Natural Resources for further consideration or adoption.