Posted on: Friday, April 22, 2005
Maui park campground may get major upgrade
By Christie Wilson
Advertiser Neighbor Island Editor
WAILUKU, Maui — The Department of Land and Natural Resources is proposing a master plan of improvements for Wai'anapanapa State Park near Hana, one of only two places on Maui where the state offers cabin rentals.
Public comment is being sought on a master plan of improvements for Wai'anapanapa State Park near Hana. Comments may be submitted to the DLNR's Division of State Parks, 1151 Punchbowl St., Room 310, Honolulu HI 96813; consultant Wilson Okamoto Corp., 1907 S. Beretania St., Suite 400, Honolulu HI 96826; and the Office of Environmental Quality Control, 235 S. Beretania St., Suite 702, Honolulu HI 96813. Wai'anapanapa, about 53 miles from Kahului, has a tent campground and 12 cabins that can be rented for a minimum of $45 per night. The DLNR also runs the Polipoli Spring State Recreation Area in Kula Forest Reserve, where only a single cabin is offered for public use.
The state agency is seeking public comment on a 20-year master plan for Wai'anapanapa State Park to meet public demand, address aging facilities and infrastructure, and protect natural and cultural resources.
Major improvements include constructing a new access road, an additional comfort station, interpretive center and parking lots; moving the campground and replacing the wooden cabins; upgrading the park's water system and replacing cesspools with septic systems.
DLNR officials said they do not anticipate any significant impacts from the improvements, but an environmental impact statement is being prepared to allow the public to comment on the master plan. The deadline to comment is June 7.
Reach Christie Wilson at (808) 244-4880 or cwilson@honoluluadvertiser.com.
The 110-acre park, which was established in 1968, has a black-sand beach, heiau and dramatic scenery along a remote and rugged coastline. Other features include an ancient Hawaiian trail that leads to Hana, a native hala forest, a natural stone arch, blow holes and a legendary cave where an ancient chief is said to have murdered his wife. Visitors also can study anticline pools and a seabird colony.
PARK IMPROVEMENTS
