THE SENATE

S.B. NO.

1136

THIRTY-SECOND LEGISLATURE, 2023

S.D. 1

STATE OF HAWAII

H.D. 1

 

 

 

 

 

A BILL FOR AN ACT

 

 

RELATING TO STATE PARKS.

 

 

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:

 

     SECTION 1.  The legislature finds that Makena state park is a unique community resource not only for south Maui but for all the people of the island.  As with other state beach parks, the increase in tourism volume has resulted in an excess of visitor traffic to Makena state park, necessitating further investment in this iconic area.

     The legislature also finds that because of the increase of visitors, amenities offered at the park are being stretched and park upkeep and maintenance are being tested.  The legislature finds that when the same phenomenon created a strain at Haena and Waianapanapa state parks, a tourism management plan was put into place.  The plan allowed for the generation of additional revenue from the increased traffic and ensured that residents' public access to these important community assets would be preserved.

     Accordingly, the purpose of this Act is to appropriate moneys for the office of planning and sustainable development to conduct a carrying capacity study, which shall be submitted to the legislature by July 1, 2024.

     SECTION 2.  (a)  The office of planning and sustainable development shall conduct a carrying capacity study of Makena state park in the county of Maui.  The study shall:

     (1)  Include an assessment of the carrying capacity of Makena state park, including an estimate of the number of persons and the amount of human activity that the park can sustain without degrading natural resources, cultural resources, or experiences by visitors and residents;

     (2)  Assess the effectiveness of existing use restrictions and management practices, including current park hours, entrance fees, and parking fees;

     (3)  Assess the potential effectiveness of:

          (A)  Mandatory or voluntary closures of high traffic, naturally sensitive, or culturally sensitive areas of the park; and

          (B)  Other visitor use restrictions or management practices; and

     (4)  Propose long-term management options to reduce the impact of humans on the health and abundance of natural resources, cultural resources, and native species within the park.

     (b)  In conducting the study, the office of planning and sustainable development shall consult with the county of Maui, relevant community organizations, and other relevant entities.

     (c)  The office of planning and sustainable development shall submit a report of its findings and recommendations, including any proposed legislation, to the legislature by July 1, 2024.

     SECTION 3.  There is appropriated out of the general revenues of the State of Hawaii the sum of $           or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2023-2024 for the office of planning and sustainable development to conduct a carrying capacity study of Makena state park in the county of Maui.

     The sum appropriated shall be expended by the office of planning and sustainable development for the purposes of this Act.

     SECTION 4.  This Act shall take effect on June 30, 3000.

 

Report Title:

Makena State Park; Carrying Capacity; Study; Office of Planning and Sustainable Development; Report to Legislature; Appropriation

 

Description:

Requires the Office of Planning and Sustainable Development to conduct a study of the carrying capacity of Makena State Park in Maui County.  Appropriates funds.  Effective 6/30/3000.  (HD1)

 

 

 

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