Posted on: Tuesday, May 15, 2001

Waimea Falls Park intrigues OHA

By Yasmin Anwar
Advertiser Staff Writer

Some trustees are exploring the merits of the Office of Hawaiian Affairs buying Waimea Falls Park, a spectacular yet commercially unsuccessful North Shore eco-tourist attraction.

On Friday, OHA trustee John Waihe'e IV's Policy and Planning Committee is set to visit the 1,800-acre property, whose owner last month filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy to block the foreclosure and sale of the Waimea site as well as Sea Life Park.

The city has initiated a plan to buy the property, which would put OHA in direct competition to acquire it if trustees decide to move forward.

Last week, Waihe'e, Clayton Hee and OHA administrator Randall Ogata took a tour of the park, which included an all-terrain vehicle ride.

OHA spokesman Ryan Mielke said he does not know whether trustees are interested in purchasing all or part of the property, but said their inquiry into the venture fits with OHA's mission to preserve cultural resources.

New York investor Christian Wolffer saved the lush recreation and conservation area from the auction block in 1996, then put the park up for sale in August for $25 million.

The park's visitor count has plummeted by 30 percent since 1991, despite adding such adventure attractions as an African Jungle trek and mountain biking trails.

The city immediately took an interest in acquiring the property, through condemnation if needed. Mayor Jeremy Harris set aside $5.2 million in the city's supplemental budget for the purchase. A master plan would change emphasis from adventure rides to cultural and educational activities.