Posted on: Monday, August 30, 2004

Campers go camping for permits

Advertiser Staff

Congestion at camping sites in state parks can be so tough that many folks are camping twice: once at a state office waiting for a permit and then at the actual campsite.

"Some people are so determined to get our limited camping space that they actually camp outside our office overnight to get in line for a camping permit that will be usable 30 days later," said state Board of Land and Natural Resources Chairman Peter Young.

In an effort to ease the strain, the state will ask for proposals for private developers to develop and operate camping, cabin rentals and other facilities in state parks. The first is at Malaekahana State Recreation Area on O'ahu. The next few are likely to be Hapuna Beach and other state parks on the Big Island

"Concessionaires already exist at several state parks," Young said. "They provide a variety of services including food and beach services, restaurants, camping and cabin rentals, and gift shops."

For more information on the program or to review a request for proposals, check the Web at www.hawaii.gov/dlnr or contact Jim Springer, state parks property manager, at 587-0296.