HONOLULU — Tourists hoping to enjoy the natural beauty at several Hawaii state parks will soon have to pay a fee to do so.
In a recent announcement, the Hawaii Department of Land and Natural Resources said it will implement "parking management and fee systems" at four popular state parks — Wailuku River State Park and Kekaha Kai State Park on Hawaii Island; Wailua River State Park on Kauai; and Puu Ualakaa State Wayside on Oahu — beginning in January.
Non-residents and commercial vehicles will be subject to the fee, which is meant to "enhance experiences, improve traffic flow and ensure that park resources are cared for sustainably," according to the agency.
"We’re always looking for ways to make our parks more enjoyable for both residents and visitors," said DLNR Division of State Parks Acting Administrator Alan Carpenter in the news release. "These partnerships allow us to provide more consistent visitor management while ensuring that the revenues collected are reinvested directly into our parks."
The funds will go toward improving the parks, including park maintenance, facility upgrades, and long-term resource protection. Wailuku River State Park and Kekaha Kai State Park are each estimated to generate up to $1.5 million in revenue from the entry and parking fees, the Division of State Parks told USA TODAY in a statement.
