THE SENATE

S.R. NO.

139

TWENTY-SECOND LEGISLATURE, 2003

 

STATE OF HAWAII

 
   


SENATE RESOLUTION

 

requesting the consideration of strategic partnerships with non-profit entities to enhance selected park properties while applying a community-based cultural tourism model.

 

WHEREAS, research shows that visitors in the growing ecotourism market seek safe, clean, comfortable, and affordable accommodations in communities with natural environments that offer outdoor recreational, educational, and cultural interactive experiences; and

WHEREAS, community-based cultural tourism properties are characterized by local, on-site control and security; self-sustainability within the natural environment; clean and comfortable facilities; affordable accommodations; and cultural education experiences, where local kupuna, cultural specialists, musicians, and artisans participate in demonstrations and performances to educate the visitors; and

WHEREAS, community-based cultural tourism in a State Park would provide many benefits to the State, including, but not limited to:

(1) Minimizing liability exposure by shifting most of the liability burden to the non-profit organization managing the property;

(2) Enhancing visitor satisfaction through cultural experiences, demonstrations, and educational opportunities;

(3) Sharing revenues with the State;

(4) Improving the local economy by encouraging guests to shop locally;

(5) Providing on-site, 24-hour management and security to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for all guests, at no cost to the State;

(6) Providing employment and business opportunities for community residents; and

(7) Teaching other non-profits and communities how to replicate the management process at their parks; and

WHEREAS, an example of a successful community-based cultural tourism program is found at the Malaekahana State Recreational Area -- Kahuku Section, also known as Pu`uhonua O Malaekahana, which has been run by the Friends of Malaekahana, who have maintained on-site control and community management since 1994; and

WHEREAS, non-profit organizations like the Friends of Malaekahana often have more opportunities to obtain federal and private grants than government agencies; and

WHEREAS, the Friends of Malaekahana, for example, had the chance to obtain a $500,000 grant to upgrade the park's sewer system, but could not because the organization did not have a long-term lease; and

WHEREAS, the State now has to spend $100,000 in planning costs alone to upgrade Malaekahana's camping and sewer facilities; and

WHEREAS, a lease at a twenty-year minimum would be appropriate for saving the State money, provided there were with performance benchmark conditions to the lease, such as:

(1) Increased revenues and guest counts measured against present volumes;

(2) A reduction in park expenses;

(3) The decrease or elimination of criminal activity;

(4) A measurable increase in economic activity in the local business community;

(5) Positive public relations from community and visitors; and

(6) Interest from other communities about implementing similar programs; and

WHEREAS, the community-based cultural tourism model in Malaekahana, operating through a public/private partnership initiative, could serve as a template for the effective management and maintenance of selected public park sites throughout Hawaii; and

WHEREAS, given ever-constricting budgets, citizen demand for better accommodations, and escalating personnel costs, it is becoming increasingly difficult for public agencies such as the Parks Division of the Department of Land and Natural Resources to effectively provide and maintain affordable, safe, clean, and appealing public recreation areas; and

WHEREAS, a public-private partnership of a non-profit entity such as Friends of Malaekahana with the Parks Division of the Department of Land and Natural Resources would allow for a park management approach that would be positive for the State, its residents, and its visitors; now, therefore,

BE IT RESOLVED by the Senate of the Twenty-Second Legislature of the State of Hawaii, Regular Session of 2003, that the Parks Division of the Department of Land and Natural Resources consider strategic partnerships with non-profit entities, such as the Friends of Malaekahana, for the purpose of enhancing selected park properties while applying a community-based cultural tourism model; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Department of Land and Natural Resources offer long-term leases to their non-profit partners, thereby allowing for the possibility of more outside funding and continuity of management; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that certified copies of this Resolution be transmitted to the Governor, Chair of Land and Natural Resources, the Division Head of the Parks Division, and the Friends of Malaekahana.

 

 

 

OFFERED BY:

_____________________________

Report Title:

Malaekahana State Park; Public/Private Partnerships; Community-Based Parks