Free rides get bumpy either way

By Lee Cataluna
Advertiser Columnist

I think it's more pronounced on the Neighbor Islands, but you certainly get enough of the attitude on O'ahu.

They complain loudly in public that things are not up to their expectations. They write angry letters to the editor that often include the threat, "or we'll go someplace else." Now there's a class-action lawsuit on their behalf. It couldn't get more blatant.

Tourists are running this state.

Of course, it's because we let them. We give them the reins. We've made ourselves completely dependent upon their happiness. We tell them as much.

I realize the lawsuit over fees charged to nonresidents at Hanauma Bay was initiated by a Hawai'i lawyer who recruited a representative of the "visitor class" to be his named client in the suit. But the belief behind the suit points to a growing sentiment from our visitors: We have just the same rights as the people who live here.

Try wait, yeah?

Zipping the lip

We've all had the experience of standing in line waiting our turn while the person in front of us gives the ticket lady grief because they don't get the kama'aina discount. You want to just say, "Brah, you don't pay state taxes or city property tax like I do, you don't work three jobs to live in a crackerbox like I do, you don't buy the $8 boxes of cereal like I do."

But you wouldn't say that. Not in a million years. It's not the party line. That's only the sort of thing you would grumble to your family later on at home. No, our official stance is: "Lucky we live Hawai'i, Lucky for US you came Hawai'i."

We need to strike a balance. A good host knows how to make the guests feel comfortable without letting them run the household.

Other American towns charge visitors more than residents to use roads, beaches, parking, etc. ... It's common practice. It's called into question here because of the great lengths we go to make tourists feel welcome. Feeling welcome is good. Feeling entitled isn't.

Beaches are public

That being said, charging anyone for beach access is a bad idea, even at beautiful but beleaguered Hanauma. State law sets out that beaches are public property. It's not only law, it's part of our local value system. So while visitors should be willing to pay their fair share for enjoying these islands, Hanauma Bay isn't the place to make up the difference.

At the same time, this lawsuit is about three lousy dollars. Three dollars to visit one of the best bays in Hawai'i is a deal, if you ask me. Aren't there better fights to fight?

Just put a kokua calabash at the entrance to Hanauma and be done with it. I'd bet most people, regardless of where they call home, would be happy to donate to the preservation of the bay.

Reach Lee Cataluna at 535-8172 or lcataluna@honoluluadvertiser.com.