Waimea Falls Park report submitted

By Eloise Aguiar
Advertiser North Shore Bureau

An advisory committee studying the future of Waimea Falls Park yesterday submitted a proposed master plan that excludes thrill or adventure activities in the North Shore valley, and calls for improvements and expansion of its educational and cultural programs.

Mayor Jeremy Harris said Waimea can't deteriorate any further. Advertiser library photo

The committee's 29 recommendations include re-establishing Waimea's reputation in the world's botanical community, protecting the authenticity and identity of the valley, and developing activities that are affordable and respectful of Hawaiian cultural and botanical perspectives.

City Councilwoman Rene Mansho, who represents the North Shore, set up the committee through public hearings inviting people interested in the future of the valley. She said the proposed plan represents a consensus of the 150 to 200 committee members.

"If (the valley is) going to be a public facility, we need a community-based plan," Mansho said. "I needed a collective vision from all segments of the community to agree to how we want to protect, preserve and have an economically viable (park). It needs to be self sufficient."

She said the plan will be used as a guideline for the city as it develops its requirements and conditions for a prospective operator.

The city would be the landowner, but a separate entity will operate it.

Harris accepted the proposed master plan saying it is now up to the city to work with the recommendations and come up with a plan for the park that is financially viable. He warned that Waimea must not be allowed to deteriorate further and said the transition to the new management must be smooth.

Once the city purchases the property, Harris said he will ask the group to meet again to help draw up more specific qualifications for the new operator.

Waimea Valley's 1,875 acres were put on the market in August by owner Christian Wolffer. The city later adopted a resolution to acquire the property and place it under park designation on the North Shore Public Infrastructure Map.

This year, the mayor set aside $5.2 million in the city supplemental budget for the acquisition of the property, which has lost money for years.

"The park has failed because of bad management and trying to take it in an adventure park direction," said Scott Foster, communication director for the Stewards of Waimea Valley, which worked with the committee. "All three (of the committee's subcommittee) reports came to the same conclusions and one is, forget the adventure park direction. This is an educational, historical, cultural site."

Blake McElheny, speaking for the committee's Economic Subcommittee, said a nonprofit entity operating the park is preferable to assure that revenue generated would be reinvested in the park.

He said important criteria for economic development should include keeping activities affordable, retaining jobs, respecting cultural and botanical philosophies, and adhering to state conservation and city zoning requirements.

He said the committee found objectionable activities that include hot air balloons, eco-cabins, commercial real estate development and commercial hunting.

However, camping, botanical research, a health and wellness center, weddings, and retail, food and bar service would be acceptable, he said.

David Orr, member of the committee's Botanical Subcommittee, said it was essential that the Waimea Arboretum Foundation receive a long-term lease to ensure its ability to obtain grants and endowments. The arboretum has been a haven for endangered plants rescued from near extinction in their native habitat.

The committee's Cultural, Historical and Educational subcommittee suggested ending culturally inappropriate activities, restoring historic sites, hiring a park historian and acquiring a professional and culturally sensitive marketing team.

"Our vision for Waimea is to return it to the spirits of our ancestors that live there," said Betty Jenkins, spokeswoman of the subcommittee.