Posted on: Tuesday, May 29, 2001

Editorial
Staff ouster at Waimea shows need change

Management of Waimea Falls Park on O'ahu's North Shore has every right to say who works there and who does not.

So technically, there was little anyone could have done about the park's decision to remove David Orr from his post as manager of the park's famed botanical garden.

Thus it is to the park's credit that its management listened to pleas from the community and from Orr himself to reinstate him to his important post.

Still, the incident underscores the importance of finding a new owner for the park who will put a high priority on the preservation of the park's distinguished collection of rare and endangered plants.

The park is a commercial attraction, which offers Hawaiiana, garden tours and a variety of activities from mountain-biking to watching cliff divers. The attraction has struggled and is currently for sale.

Among those interested in buying the site are the city and the Office of Hawaiian Affairs.

As a private, profit-making venture, the park cannot be expected to maintain the botanical garden forever on a money-losing basis. Still, staff and budget cutbacks have anguished those who see the collection as a treasure.

What is needed is an owner/caretaker of the park and its botanical collection who is not motivated strictly by profit. That's why the interest of the city and OHA is intriguing.

The two entities could form a partnership that keeps the park open for recreational use while, at the same time, providing proper stewardship of the plant collection that is an important part of Hawa'i's cultural and natural heritage.