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<br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> Form #:B-52 <br /> 7/18/91 <br /> <br /> DEPARTMENT OF FINANCE <br /> REQUEST FOR COUNCIL ACTION <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> DEPARTMENT: Research & Development DATE: April 10, 2006 <br /> <br /> STAFF CONTACT: Beth Dykstra PHONE: 961-8035 <br /> <br /> <br /> A. REQUEST: <br /> <br /> To authorize the Mayor to enter into an agreement with the Hawaii Tourism Authority (HTA) for a Natural <br /> Resources Program contract in the amount of SIXTY THOUSAND AND NO/100 DOLLARS ($60,000.00) to <br /> develop, plan and implement a one (1)-year pilot program to contract rangers to staff the county park at the <br /> Waipio Scenic Overlook to monitor commercial and visitor activity, report illegal activity to law enforcement, <br /> serve as educational resources for the public, enhance the visitor experience, and protect the environment. <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> B. BACKGROUND AND JUSTIFICATION (USE ADDITIONAL SHEETS AS NEEDED): <br /> <br /> Waipio Valley is a popular tourist destination. Destructive and illegal activities in the valley and at the scenic <br /> overlook have increased over the past few years and concerns have been raised by community members, <br /> park staff, and landowners that these activities are damaging the environment, creating safety hazards, <br /> tarnishing the visitor experience, and offending the host culture. At risk are heiau and other cultural and <br /> historic treasures; and the fragile environment is also at risk Complicated issues of access and of assigning <br /> oversight for public activity on private land in the Waipio Valley, and within multi-jurisdictional areas, has <br /> been debated for years. At this point, stakeholders have yet to arrive at a mutually satisfactory solution; <br /> therefore the proposed program in which Rangers staff the scenic overlook and serve aas educators to the <br /> public will stem the tide of more damage. This pilot program strives to ensure the safety of all visitors and <br /> residents at Waipio Valley; enhance the visitor experience by providing education about the area's natural <br /> and cultural histories and resources; enhance the reputation of legitimate businesses in the tourism industry; <br /> and enhance the appearance (e.g. cleanliness, overall maintenance) of the County Park located at the <br /> Waipio Scenic Overlook. The natural environment is the valley's primary draw for visitors. Rangers will <br /> promote environmentally sensitive behavior among all park and beach users and all visitors to the Valley. <br /> There are three primary expected outcomes of this pilot: (1) An educated resident and visitor base will <br /> protect the natural and cultural resources of the Waipio Valley; (2) Visitors will have an enhanced visit <br /> because they will learn about the cultural and natural history of the area; and (3) There will be enhanced <br /> safety for visitors and residents. <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> SIGNED:` c~ DATE: APR 1 2 2n <br /> Depart@nt Head <br />