Hawaii House Bill HB702

Hawaii 2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/23/23
• Refer: 1/30/23
• Report Pass: 2/17/23
• Refer: 2/17/23

Caption

Relating To State Parks.

Impact

The bill highlights the importance of sustainable tourism and aims to ensure that the carrying capacity of Makena State Park is not exceeded. By assessing existing use restrictions, such as park hours and entry fees, this legislation intends to generate recommendations that would help manage the park's visitor traffic effectively. Furthermore, the study will explore the efficacy of possible restrictions on visitor access to sensitive areas, which could enhance both visitor experiences and conservation efforts.

Summary

House Bill 702 seeks to address the pressing issues resulting from increased tourism at Makena State Park in Maui. The bill mandates the Department of Land and Natural Resources to conduct a comprehensive carrying capacity study for the park. This study will evaluate the number of visitors the park can accommodate without causing harm to its natural and cultural resources and will also review current management practices in place. The findings from the study are expected to inform future management strategies aimed at balancing visitor access with the preservation of vital park resources.

Contention

While the bill appears to be pragmatic, potential points of contention may arise regarding the appropriateness of visitor management strategies. Stakeholders, including local residents and tourism advocates, may have differing opinions on how to balance access to the park with the need to protect its ecological and cultural integrity. The effectiveness of any resulting regulations will likely be scrutinized by both environmental advocates, who may demand strict management measures, and tourism operators, who may be concerned about the implications for business if access is limited.