October 9th at the Kekaha Neighborhood Center (by the ball park) from 5 pm to 8 pm to discuss problems and opportunities in Kokee and Waimea. Freeriding is on the minds of the State and if we don't represent the chances of legal downhill in Waimea or Kokee will be about 0%. Lastly, there's gonna be a story about this in the Garden Island - today or tomorrow I believe. Pen some letters to the editor to support this and we can get the general public behind this too.

Robert 635-9478

DLNR HOLD MEETINGS ON UPDATE FOR STATE COMPREHENSIVE OUTDOOR RECREATION PLAN

The Department of Land and Natural Resources is holding statewide meetings in October to invite the public to help plan for outdoor recreation in their communities, counties and state. Meetings will address a broad range of recreational facilities and activities, from ballfields, courts, swimming pools and golf courses to hiking, biking, hunting, fishing, boating, surfing, and other ocean sports. Input gained from these focus groups and meetings will help DLNR to better plan to meet outdoor recreation demand and issues in Hawai'i.

DLNR's Division of State Parks with PBR Hawai'i, a planning and consulting firm, is holding the public meetings to update the Statewide Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan (SCORP). This update is required every five years for the state to qualify to receive federal Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) grant funds to expand outdoor recreation opportunities statewide. These federal funds can be used for park acquisition and park construction by state and county park and recreation agencies.

The schedule of meetings is:

Kaua'i
Oct. 10, - 6:30 p.m.
State Office Bldg., 2nd floor conference room, 3060 'Eiwa St., Lihu'e.

Moloka'i
Oct. 2 - 12 noon
Moloka'i Education Ctr.,Rm.107, Kaunakakai.

Lana'i
Oct. 3 - 12 noon
Lana'i Community Ctr., Lana'i City.

O'ahu
Oct. 15 - 6:30 p.m.
DLNR, Kalanimoku Bldg. 1151 Punchbowl St., Board Room 132, Honolulu.

Maui
Oct. 17, - 7 p.m.
250 South High St., Planning Commission Meeting Rm., Kahului.

Hilo
Oct. 23, - 6:30 p.m.
Hilo Lagoon Ctr., 101 Aupuni St., Hilo

Kona
Oct. 24 - 6:30 p.m.
Hanama Place, 75-5706, Kuakini Hwy., Suite 103, Kailua, Kona.

The SCORP document identifies priorities for acquiring, developing, and protecting all types of outdoor recreation resources within the state. It assures a continuing opportunity for local units of government and private citizens to take part in Hawai'i's outdoor recreation and environmental planning programs. The SCORP also provides a practical tool for coordinating all the state's outdoor recreation and environmental conservation programs. Since the 1990 update, the SCORP has incorporated an inventory and assessment of Hawai'i's wetlands and waterbird habitats.

This planning project includes an update of the statewide recreational inventory, including parks, boat ramps and small harbors, hunting areas, and other recreational facilities. Through public meetings and focus group meetings with recreational user groups, there will be an evaluation of the demand and preference for outdoor recreation, including both the current level of recreation and future needs. These meetings will also identify the outdoor recreation issues of statewide importance, such as resource protection and sustainability, funding and staffing for parks, conflict between users of recreational areas, and access constraints to recreational areas. Finally, a plan of action to address the issues and implement the plan will be set forth in the SCORP document. This plan will identify recreational priorities and projects for the obligation of LWCF grant funds over the next five years. A draft of the updated SCORP should be completed by the end of the year.

The meeting locations are disability accessible. If special needs are required, i.e., large print, taped materials, sign language interpreter, etc. contact DLNR at (808) 974-6203 (Hawai'i) or 587-0439 (O'ahu) one week prior to the meeting.

Public Information Office
Kalanimoku Building, Rm 130
1151 Punchbowl St.
Honolulu, Hawaii 96813

Contact: Martha Yent, Div. of State Parks, 587-0287