LIHU'E, Kaua'i — The future of Ha'ena State Park on Kaua'i's north shore is the topic of three public workshops today and Saturday.

The state Department of Land and Natural Resources and its consultant PBR Hawai'i and Associates are seeking people's ideas on public use of the park and preservation of its natural resources, DLNR Director Laura H. Thielen said in a release.

"We invite the community to share with us their thoughts about how our master plan should encompass the coastal and marine systems, terrestrial flora, fauna, and wildland resources, and protection of the historically significant cultural sites and practices at Ha'ena," Thielen said.

Ha'ena State Park is a scenic wildland park located at the "end of the road" on Kaua'i's north shore, and is an extremely popular destination for visitors and locals.

Its attractions include the "wet cave," shore fishing, beach walking, picnicking, views of the spectacular Napali coast and swimming at Ke'e beach during calm conditions. The trailhead for the 11-mile Kalalau Trail begins in this park.

The park currently has restrooms, outdoor showers, a hiking trail, trash cans, drinking water and a pay phone.

Earlier planning efforts suggested improvements to the road and parking, restroom renovation and expansion, foot and bicycle paths, a visitor center, picnic areas, and support facilities such as a baseyard, gate facility, and caretakers' cottage. As a plan is refined, an environmental impact statement will be prepared.

There will be two "open houses" about developing a Ha'ena master plan at Limahuli Hale in Limahuli Gardens: 4-7 p.m. today and 9 a.m.-noon Saturday.

There also will be a meeting about the Ha'ena plan 2-5 p.m. Saturday at the County Planning Commission Rooms 2A-B in the Mo'ikeha building, in Lihu'e.

For more information call 274-3444.