Save Makena:
Stop the Spread of the ‘Access Plan’
Nudists and the State of Hawaii have a long history of run-ins on nude use. Hawaii’s beaches are controlled by the Hawaii Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR). Their stated mission is “The overall mission of the Division of Conservation and Resources Enforcement is to promote the safe and responsible use of Hawaii’s natural resources.”
DLNR seems to feel the best way to do that is to limit access to those resources by anyone, including tourists. They have also come up with access plans that should be called block access plans. An example of that is a plan they implemented on Kauai called “The Ha’ena Solution”. The plan limits access to 900 people a day, selected up to 30 days in advance, which includes parking, time limits, and destination restrictions. The reality of the plan is that the spots fill up as soon as they open, and then there is no availability for those who decide on any given day to try to visit this beach and trail areas. The locals call it the ‘Abominable Plan”, tourists call it bureaucratic abuse of power. While tourism is a primary economic driver of Hawaii, the DLNR has come up with a way to block visiting the resources that draw bikers, hikers, beach goers, and just the curious to Hawaii’s beaches.
Now they are looking to move this model to other areas. The site they are now proposing to use this plan to improve is Makena Beach on Maui. Makena State Park is in a Special Management Area where development must receive an SMA Permit to proceed. The chance for us to provide feedback on the plan and its impact on outdoor recreation of any type is coming up.
This is where we need to contact our friends involved in all types of outdoor activities, not just nudists. The attack on access to the beach affects our cycling and hiking friends as well as anyone who doesn’t have a 30-day window to plan their beach excursions. The plan, as implemented on Kauai, has been disastrous to local and tourist users. It is a cash cow for the DLNR since fees are paid whether the users can make and use the reservation or not. They can apply for a refund, but that is after 30 days of the DLNR having their money. Their budget has swelled because of this plan, so they have a financial incentive to keep using it even as residents and tourists complain that it is not working for enhancing the recreational experience.
The comment period will be open shortly, and for no more than 45 days, we need to let our voices be heard. Makena Beach needs to be kept pristine as it is mandated to be and not turned into a cash cow for DLNR to shake down beach goers. We will be sending out an update when the comment period opens for public comment.
Tim Mullins
Government Affairs Chair
