The Hawaii Department of Land and Natural Resources issued the following news release:
The Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR), Division of State Parks is seeking public participation on an update of the Statewide Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan (SCORP) that will help shape the future of hiking, biking, boating, hunting, fishing and ocean recreation in Hawai'i.
'The 2008 Outdoor Recreation Plan update represents a cooperative effort between government agencies and Hawai'i's residents to identify the needs and priorities for acquiring, developing, and protecting all types of outdoor recreation resources within the State over the next five years.
We encourage everyone to get involved and provide input about the future of outdoor recreation in Hawai'i,' said Laura H. Thielen, Chairperson of DLNR.
The public is invited to participate in meetings which start October 1, via an online survey, and through written comments. Updating the plan will enable Hawai'i to maintain eligibility to receive federal grants from the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF), administered through the National Park Service.
The public is encouraged to attend the public meeting on their island to share their thoughts on outdoor recreation in their community, county, and state. These meetings will address a broad range of recreational activities and sites, from ballfields, courts, swimming pools and golf courses to hiking, biking, hunting, fishing, boating, surfing, and other outdoor recreation and ocean sports.
Based on an analysis of the public input gained from these meetings, a plan of action for addressing recreational demand and issues confronting outdoor recreation in Hawai'i will be developed. A draft of the updated SCORP should be completed by the end of the year.
The public is asked to participate in the following ways:
1. Complete the recreation user survey by October 15, 2008.
* Online at http://pbrhawaii-consult.limehouse.com/portal
* Download/print PDF at above website, www.hawaiistateparks.org or www.hawaii.gov/dlnr and return by mail, fax or email
2. Attend a public meeting in October.
October 1, 5:30 pm - Wailuku, Maui - Maui Planning Commission Conference Room, 250 S. High St., First Floor, Kalana Pakui Building, Room 250.
October 2, 11:00 am - Lana'i - Lana'i Public Library, 555 Fraser Ave.
October 6, 5:30 pm - Hilo, Hawai'i - Aupuni Center Conference Room, 101 Pauahi Street.
October 7, 5:30 pm - Kailua-Kona, Hawai'i, Old Kona Airport Pavilion, end of Kuakini Highway (Highway 11).
October 8, 3:30 pm - Kaunakakai, Moloka'i, Kulana 'Oiwi DHHL Meeting Room.
October 9, 6:00 pm - Lihu'e, Kaua'i, Kaua'i Planning Commission Room, Lihu'e Civic Center, 4444 Rice Street, Moikeha Building, Meeting Room 2A-2B.
October 14, 5:30 pm - Honolulu, O'ahu, 1151 Punchbowl Street, Room 132 (DLNR Board Room).
If accommodation is required for special needs, i.e., large print, taped materials, sign language interpreter, etc., please contact PBR Hawai'i (Audrey at 521-5631) at least seven days prior to the scheduled meeting.
3. Review the draft SCORP document and provide comments. A draft of the updated SCORP should be completed by the end of the year. The dates for review and comment on the draft SCORP will be announced. Please check the SCORP survey website http://pbrhawaiiconsult. limehouse.com/portal for updates.Contact: Martha Yent, 808/587-0287, Martha.E.Yent@hawaii.gov; Deborah Ward, 808/587-0320.
Martha Yent, 808/587-0287, Martha.E.Yent@hawaii.gov; Deborah Ward, 808/587-0320.
