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,~fV O!„ <br /> •'••~G <br /> COUNTY OF HAWAII STATE OF HAWAII <br /> T~ os ~N~~` <br /> RESOLUTION NO. 418 O? <br /> RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE OFFICE OF THE MAYOR TO ENTER INTO <br /> <br /> AN AGREEMENT WITH THE STATE OF HAWAII, HAWAI`1 TOURISM <br /> AUTHORITY, PURSUANT TO HRS 46-7, TO EXTEND THE WAIPI`O PARK <br /> RANGER PILOT 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 to extend the <br /> Waipi'o Park Ranger Pilot Program; and <br /> WHEREAS, with the Waipi'o Valley being a very popular tourist destination, the County will <br /> be using the grant funds to extend an educational program at the county park at the Waipi`o Scenic <br /> Overlook to monitor commercial and visitor activity, report any illegal activity to law enforcement, <br /> serve as educational resources for the public, enhance the visitor experience, and protect the <br /> 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 /> tarnishing the visitor experience, and offending the host culture; and <br /> WHEREAS, the program strives to ensure the safety of all visitors and residents at Waipi`o <br /> Valley, enhance the visitor experience by providing education about the area's natural and cultural <br /> histories and resources; enhance the reputation of legitimate businesses in the tourism industry; <br /> and enhance the appearance of the County Park located at the Waipi`o Scenic Overlook; and <br /> WHEREAS, recognizing the value of community-based efforts, the County of Hawaii has <br /> partnered with the community by entering into a contract with Friends of the Future, anon-profit <br /> organization based in Waimea and deeply involved in Waipi'o Valley since 1991; and <br /> WHEREAS, Friends of the Future is implementing the program with the support, <br /> advisement, and involvement of county government, state agencies, and community-based <br /> organizations, to raise visitors' awareness of the Valley's history and cultural significance; and <br /> <br />