Posted on: Monday, March 24, 2003

ISLAND VOICES
Waimea Falls Park offers a new model

By Hawai'i Friends of Waimea Falls Park Coalition

Hopes for higher-wage jobs for local residents, cultural and environmental preservation, and increased local ownership have generated alternatives to improve the visitor industry in these Islands.

We write in support of a new model of economic development and tourism and in support of the outstanding opportunity to implement such a model in the form of the National Audubon Society's proposed plan for Waimea Falls Park.

In 1973 the former owners of the park developed the 1,800 acres into a world-class botanical garden to preserve, enhance and interpret the Hawaiian cultural assets of the valley, and to make the entire area a sanctuary for both native and introduced birds. As a result, a successful botanical and cultural park was established and maintained until the early 1990s.

Students from community colleges, UH and BYU-H frequently used the valley's plants, wildlife and cultural assets as part of their studies. Several times, the park won awards for the Best Preservation of the Hawaiian Culture from the Hawai'i Visitors Bureau. During the '70s and '80s, with its educational and cultural-based approach, Waimea became the paid attraction with the third highest attendance in Hawai'i.

The National Audubon Society's goal is to transition Waimea from its current primarily "entertainment"-focused experience back to its prior success, emphasizing meaningful education about the valley's assets. Tourists will remain a majority of the visitors to the park, but the focus of the activities and programs in the park will be toward educating local children and adult residents.

Audubon's solid financial position means taxpayers won't subsidize operations, and all revenues will be re-invested into the park.

The Audubon Society's proposed use of Waimea Falls Park offers great things for O'ahu and especially for the North Shore. A key to future success for tourism in Hawai'i is that strategic growth should not be aimed strictly at visitors. Growth must be designed to improve the experience of living or visiting for locals as well.

Hawai'i Friends of Waimea Falls Park Coalition: Aunty Kanani Awai, Waialua Hawaiian Civic Club; Sally Amantiad, North Shore Seniors; Senate President Robert Bunda; former City Council members Duke Bainum and Mufi Hannemann; and Bob Agres, Hawai'i Alliance for Community-Based Economic Development.