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~~~tr os p~~. <br /> COUNTY OF HAWAII STATE OF HAWAII <br /> RESOLUTION NO. 321 06 <br /> RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE OFFICE OF THE MAYOR TO ENTER INTO <br /> AN AGREEMENT WITH THE STATE OF HAWAII, HAWAII TOURISM <br /> AUTHORITY, PURSUANT TO HRS 46-7, FOR A WAIPIO PARK RANGER PILOT <br /> PROGRAM <br /> WHEREAS, the State of Hawaii, Hawaii Tourism Authority has authorized funding, through <br /> its Natural Resources Program, to the Department of Research and Development for the start of a <br /> Waipio Park Ranger Pilot Program; and <br /> WHEREAS, with the Waipio Valley being a very popular tourist destination, the County will <br /> be using the grant funds to develop, plan and implement a one (1)-year pilot program to contract <br /> rangers to staff the county park at the Waipio Scenic Overlook to monitor commercial and visitor <br /> activity, report any illegal activity to law enforcement, serve as educational resources for the public, <br /> enhance the visitor experience, and protect the environment; and <br /> WHEREAS, destructive and illegal activities in the valley and at the scenic overlook have <br /> increased over the past few years and concerns have been raised by community members, park <br /> staff, and landowners that these activities are damaging the environment, creating safety hazards, <br /> <br /> tarnishing the visitor experience, and offending the host culture; and <br /> WHEREAS, the pilot program strives to ensure the safety of all visitors and residents at <br /> Waipio Valley, enhance the visitor experience by providing education about the area's natural and <br /> cultural histories and resources; enhance the reputation of legitimate businesses in the tourism <br /> industry; and enhance the appearance of the County Park located at the Waipio Scenic Overlook; <br /> and <br /> WHEREAS, the expected outcomes of this pilot program are 1) an educated resident and <br /> visitor base will protect the natural and cultural resources of the Waipio valley; 2) visitors will have <br /> an enhanced visit because they will learn about the cultural and natural history of the area; and 3) <br /> <br /> there will be enhanced safety for visitors and resident; and <br /> <br />