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The Honolulu Advertiser

Posted at 11:50 a.m., Wednesday, May 7, 2003

Audubon to operate Waimea Falls Park

Advertiser Staff

The City Council today approved a 30-year lease for the National Audubon Society to operate Waimea Falls Park.

Audubon was one of two finalists competing for the long-term contract, beating out current operator Waimea Management Corp.

At the same time the council was taking the action, Waimea Management Corp. was in Circuit Court asking for a temporary injunction to prevent the city from proceeding with the contract, arguing that city officials violated procurement laws and did not act in good faith.

Corporation Counsel David Arakawa advised the council to move ahead with approving the lease because, if approved, the injunction would likely apply to the administration's actions, not the council's. However, if Circuit Judge Sabrina McKenna grants the injunction, she could also overturn the council's decision this morning.

Audubon was selected by a five-member selection committee to take over operation of the 1,875-acre park on June 26.