Hawaii is one step away from getting a new state park: the Kaiwi State Scenic Shoreline, which spans the eastern coast of Oahu. The initiative is a way to manage high visitor numbers and steward its natural resources.
Hawaii Gov. Josh Green signed the bill supporting the state park designation last week. The bill awaits the Board of Land and Natural Resources to ratify.
“Hawaiʻi is known worldwide for its pristine coastline and beaches, clean air, and blue skies,” Green said in a statement. “It’s our responsibility to take care of such valuable resources to preserve our natural environment so it will be available for future generations to experience and enjoy.”
The bill has two unique components, according to Hawaii State Sen. Chris Lee, who introduced the bill. His district includes the Kaiwi State Scenic Shoreline area. “The law we just passed for this area includes explicit language in the law that no other park has that says the area shall be managed in its wild and natural state, meaning it’s to be protected as it is naturally, forever,” he said. The bill also includes eventually expanding the state park.
The local community has been fighting for more protections for the past 50 years and this bill isn’t the first attempt at protecting the area as a state park, according to Lee. Having grown up in the area in the 80s, he remembers rallies of people working to improve protections for the park.
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What impacts have high visitor numbers done to the shoreline?
The Kaiwi State Scenic Shoreline is home to heavily trafficked tourist spots like Makapuu Point Lighthouse Trail, where many people like to whale watch or visit the historic lighthouse. The parking lot fills up quickly, forcing people to park along the side of the highway, where cars can be speeding.
According to Lee, many people throw bonfire parties on the shoreline’s beaches and leave the area trashed. Cars drive over sand dunes to park on the beach, calling for habitat restoration.
“The biggest change would be safer, better access,” he said. “Because the area isn’t currently staffed as it should, it’s a free for all.”
It’s said that this part of the island is where Native Hawaiians first arrived on Oahu, with some of the trails, rock walls and other structures from ancient times that are still partially intact — and in need of preservation, Lee said.
What does a state park designation mean for visitors?
No immediate changes will come with the new designation, according to Alan Carpenter, assistant administrator for the Hawaii State Parks Division.
However, potential future changes include an entrance day-use fee reservation system, which has been put in place at Diamond Head State Park and Hanauma Bay State Park, to help mantain restroom facilities and a dedicated staff, he said.
“This is the last big area of undeveloped unspoiled land on the east side of the island,” Lee said. “Making this a state park sets a new precedent.”
Kathleen Wong is a travel reporter for USA TODAY based in Hawaii. You can reach her at kwong@usatoday.com
