The Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) will hold statewide public hearings for Hawaii Administrative Rule (HAR) amendments to implement Recreational Renaissance Plan B, a Departmental plan to address the aging recreational facilities statewide. Some provisions may affect small business. More information on the comprehensive plan is at www.hawaii.gov/dlnr/recreate
Proposed amendment of Chapter 13-146, HAR, Rules Regulating the Hawaii State Park System are to clarify some definitions, allow for internet camping and lodging reservations, payment by credit card, update penalties, issue special use permits for commercial tours, and establish entry fee authority for all State Parks to provide increased revenue for improved operations, repair, and maintenance at State Park facilities.
Proposed amendments of Chapter 13-234-1, 13-234-3, 13-234-5, and 13-241-25, HAR, Rules Regulating the fees and charges of Small Boat Harbors and Boating Program are to make modest increase of fees for mooring (+ $3.47 per foot), temporary mooring, and documents relating to registration (+ $5) to enable better repair and maintenance of recreational facilities. Current slip holder mooring fee increase will be implemented incrementally over 5 years.
Proposed amendment of Chapter 13-121, HAR, Rules Regulating the Hunting of Wildlife on Public and Other Lands are to facilitate the development, operation, and management of public target shooting ranges.
Proposed repeal of Chapter 13-125, HAR, Rules Regulating Wildlife Sanctuaries, and adoption of proposed new Chapter 13-126, HAR, Rules Regulating Wildlife Sanctuaries to provide enhanced protection and management of sensitive natural resources in wildlife sanctuaries while facilitating public use of select areas where use is compatible with resource management, and to establish commercial use regulations and fees for select sanctuaries. Base commercial permit processing fee of $10 with fees ranging from $5 per person to $100 per vessel/vehicle carrying 15+ passengers.
The public hearings are scheduled as follows but not to exceed 2 hours:
Kauai: Tuesday, November 3, 2009 at 6pm; Chiefess Kamakahelei Middle School Cafeteria, 4431 Nuhou Street, Lihue, HI 96766; Molokai: Tuesday, November 3, 2009 at 6pm; Mitchell Pauole Center, 90 Aiona St., Kaunakakai, HI 96748; Hawaii: Tuesday, November 3, 2009 at 6pm; Hilo State Office Building, Conference room A, 75 Aupuni St., Hilo, HI 96720; Wednesday, November 4, 2009 at 6pm; Old Kona Airport Pavilion, 75-5480 Kuakini Highway, Kailua-Kona, HI 96740; Maui: Wednesday, November 4, 2009 at 6pm; Seaflight Building, 101 Maalaea Boat Harbor Road, Maalaea, Maui, HI 96753; Lanai: Thursday, November 5, 2009 at 5pm; at the Lanai Senior Center, 309 Seventh St., Lanai City, Lanai, HI 96763; Oahu: Monday, November 9, 2009 at 6pm; Jefferson Elementary School Cafeteria, 324 Kapahulu Ave., Honolulu, HI 96815.
All interested persons are urged to attend the public hearing to present relevant information and individual opinion for DLNR to consider. Persons unable to attend or wishing to present additional comments, may e-mail comments to RecreationalRenaissance@hawaii.gov or postmark written testimony by Thursday, November 19, 2009 to: DLNR, Recreational Renaissance Rules, P.O. Box 621, Honolulu, HI 96809.
A copy of the proposed rule change packet is available on-line at http://hawaii.gov/dlnr/rules. Copies for public review are available Monday – Friday, 8 am – 4 pm, at DLNR Administrative and District Offices for the Division of Boating and Ocean Recreation, State Parks, and Forestry and Wildlife. Public may make written request for a mailed copy by indicating mailing address in correspondence sent to the DLNR address in the preceding paragraph.
Any person requiring a special accommodation (i.e. large print materials, sign language interpreters) should make a request by writing to the DLNR address in the preceding paragraph or by calling 587-0393 (V/T). The request will need to be received at least 7 days before the hearing date.