The state is considering closing as many as five parks to deal with an expected 20 percent cut in the Department of Land and Natural Resources budget.

Visitors to eight popular state parks may also have to pay nominal entry fees, DLNR Chairwoman Laura H. Thielen said.

The possible cuts to the state parks and recreation budget come as state lawmakers and officials work to find ways to close a sizeable budget deficit.

No parks have been specifically targeted for closure, and officials would weigh a variety of criteria, including popularity, visitor traffic and where the state can realistically restrict public access.

"We are still looking at the feasibility of park closures ... and ways to ensure no community is overly impacted by multiple park closures," Thielen said in an e-mail to The Advertiser. "We are trying our best to minimize impacts to the public and our parks."

Hawai'i's State Park System is composed of 53 state parks encompassing about 25,000 acres on the five major islands, according to DLNR.

Rep. Gil Keith-Agaran, D-9th, (Wailuku, Pu'un'n', Makawao), said he would be supportive of closing small, lightly visited parks but could not get behind closing popular state landmarks.

"If they're talking about something like 'Iao Valley State Park, I think that's kind of draconian," Keith-Agaran said.

Thielen briefed lawmakers on the plan Thursday during a House Finance Committee meeting.

The state hopes to avoid closures by gaining approval for a five-year, $240 million Recreational Renaissance Plan scheduled to be introduced by Gov. Linda Lingle. The plan would mean dozens of state trails, parks, harbors and beaches would receive repairs and upgrades to meet increased demands by residents and visitors.

The plan also calls for fee increases at boat harbors and parks, including entry fees for the eight "high-tourist" parks: Nu'uanu Pali, Ka Iwi, 'Iao, Makena, Kekaha Kai, 'Akaka Falls, Koke'e /Waimea and Ha'ena.

"We are optimistic the Legislature will work with us to implement our Recreational Renaissance proposal," Thielen said. "Our goal is to generate revenues from park fees and we might not have to close any or all of these parks; however under a 20 percent general fund reduction some park closures might still be required."

Walk-in visitors would pay $1, and cars would be charged $5, much the same way the state charges fees at Diamond Head.

The plan would be funded by $40 million in general obligation bonds in the first two years and $200 million in general obligation reimbursable bonds over the full five years.

DLNR will have to raise roughly $19.8 million in new revenue, via commercial and industrial leases on state lands, by fiscal year 2020 to support the debt service on the general obligation bonds.