Relating To The Koke'e State Park Advisory Council.
Impact
The repeal of section 171-8.5 of the Hawaii Revised Statutes is significant as it formally disbands a council that was intended to enhance community education, cultural awareness, and the preservation of the natural and cultural resources of Koke'e State Park. This could lead to a gap in oversight and community involvement concerning the park's management and protection. The council's responsibilities included advising on significant issues related to the park, and its dissolution may create challenges in engaging local stakeholders in decisions affecting the park’s future.
Summary
SB1182 seeks to repeal the statutory establishment of the Koke'e State Park Advisory Council, which was created to assist in the management and updating of the Koke'e State Park master plan. The bill comes in the wake of a comprehensive review by the Department of Land and Natural Resources, which found that the council had not convened in over five years and fulfilled its intended purpose with the completion of the master plan in 2014. The repeal aims to streamline government functions and eliminate bodies that are no longer actively serving their purpose.
Contention
Concerns surrounding the repeal highlight the balance between government efficiency and community engagement. Proponents may argue for the necessity of reducing governmental redundancy, especially in the context of fiscal recovery following the COVID-19 pandemic. However, critics may voice apprehension that without the council, community members will lack a platform to influence management decisions about Koke'e State Park, potentially undermining local interests and environmental protections that are integral to the area.