Posted on: Thursday, April 26, 2001
Boat harbor audit finds state neglect
By Scott Ishikawa
Advertiser Transportation Writer
A state audit released yesterday warns that public safety is being compromised at small-boat harbors because of inadequate maintenance.
The report, released by Auditor Marion Higa, said the state's boating facilities have "deteriorated to the point where continued use threatens public safety."
Sections of piers and catwalks have been closed for safety reasons at the Wai'anae, Ke'ehi and Port Allen small-boat harbors, including 64 of 338 boating slips at Ke'ehi.
Higa blamed poor planning and an insufficient fee structure. Previous audits in 1993 and 1998 listed the same deficiencies.
The director of the Department of Land and Natural Resources, Gilbert Coloma-Agaran, acknowledged the problems, but strongly disagreed that his agency mismanaged and neglected the boating program. Boating was transferred to that agency from the Department of Transportation in 1991.
The audit said closing the Ke'ehi slips has resulted in up to $100,000 in lost annual revenue.
Higa said the state is also owed more than $400,000 in delinquent harbor user fees.
The report suggests seeking general fund appropriations from the Legislature to address the backlog in repair and maintenance.
According to projections by Coloma-Agaran's department, there is a statewide need for more than $130 million in improvements at boating facilities.
The audit also suggested better enforcement regarding mooring permits and vessel inspections and registrations.
The auditor's report suggested other ways to raise revenue, including an increase in commercial business operations at the boating sites and charging for parking.
"Many slips have been taken out of service for safety reasons until funding can be obtained for their reconstruction," the Department of Land and Natural Resources said in responding to the auditor's findings. It said the governor's budget for 2002-03 includes a request for money for improvements to meet requirements of the Americans With Disabilities Act.
Officials at the department said a proposed user fee would bring in $6 million a year, but they expect public opposition.
