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<br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> Form B-52 <br /> 7/18/91 <br /> DEPARTMENT OF FINANCE <br /> <br /> REQUEST FOR COUNCIL ACTION <br /> <br /> <br /> DEPARTMENT: Research & Development DATE: Oct. 8, 2007 <br /> <br /> <br /> STAFF CONTACT: Beth Dykstra PHONE: 961-8366 <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 /> extend the Waipfo Resource Ranger Pilot Program a second year thereby enhancing the project's <br /> prospects for continuity and success, in this program, Rangers serve as educational resources who remind <br /> all visitors of expected behaviors and promote zero-impact recreation. This program of education and <br /> resource protection will enhance the visitor and resident experience and sustain the precious natural <br /> treasure that is Waipfo Valley. This educational program is a collaborative effort involving the Waipfo Circle, <br /> Friends of the Future, R&D, P&R, Public Works, Police, and HTA. <br /> <br /> B. BACKGROUND AND JUSTIFICATION (USE ADDITIONAL SHEETS AS NEEDED): <br /> <br /> Waipfo 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, degrading cultural treasures, and offending the host culture. Complicated <br /> issues of access and of assigning oversight for public activity on private land in Waipfo Valley, and within <br /> multi-jurisdictional areas, have been debated for years. This program will stem the tide of further damage. <br /> The ranger program strives to ensure the safety of all visitors to and residents of Waipi'o Valley; enhance the <br /> visitor experience by providing education about the area's natural and cultural history; enhance the <br /> reputation and regard of legitimate business in the tourism industry; and enhance the overall appearance <br /> (e.g., cleanliness) of the scenic overlook area and County Park. <br /> Recognizing the value of community-based efforts, the County of Hawaii has partnered with the community <br /> by entering into a contract with Friends of the Future, a 501(c) (3) non-profit organization based in Waimea <br /> and deeply involved in Waipi'o Valley since 1991. Friends of the Future is implemeting the pilot program <br /> with the support, advisement, and involvement of the Waipfo Valley Community Circle, Kanu o ka 'Aina <br /> Learning 'Ohana, Bishop Museum, Kamehameha Schools, Kanu o ka 'Aina New Century Public Charter <br /> School, and the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service. This unique partnership combines <br /> community wisdom with coordinated support from county government, state agencies and community-based <br /> organizations to implement a program to raise visitors' awareness of the Valley's history and cultural <br /> significance. <br /> <br /> <br /> SIGNED: C _ DATE: i 0 /Z--S /d-l <br /> <br /> 111fl Dep vent Head <br />