Multiple outlets reported that the Maui Planning Commission deferred a decision Tuesday on a state proposal to build permanent restrooms and other improvements at Mākena State Park, following a marathon hearing that stretched from 9 a.m. to after 6 p.m. The project, put forward by the Hawaiʻi Department of Land and Natural Resources, drew deeply divided community testimony over tourism, safety, and preservation of the popular South Maui beach.
- The DLNR State Parks Division proposes replacing existing portable toilets with two permanent ‘comfort stations’ at Mākena State Park, which includes Oneloa (Big Beach) and Oneuli (Black Sand Beach)
- The plan also includes two outdoor showers, a water bottle refill station, water infrastructure upgrades, and paving of existing gravel access driveways
- Toll booths and pay stations would be installed to collect fees from out-of-state visitors, while the park would remain free for Hawaiʻi residents (Hawaii News Now)
- Supporters argued the upgrades are needed to replace ‘hot, smelly’ porta-potties and improve sanitation for residents and visitors alike
- Opponents urged the commission to deny the special management area permit, arguing the project would harm a pristine natural area and attract more inexperienced visitors to the park’s often dangerous shorebreak (Maui Now)
- DLNR acting State Parks administrator Alan Carpenter said there has been ‘a lot of misinformation circulating’ and that the project would not change access or management of the 165-acre park (Maui Now)
- The Planning Commission deferred its decision; no new hearing date was announced
Sources
- Maui Now: Plans to replace portable toilets with permanent bathrooms at Mākena State Park cause big stink
- Hawaii News Now: Maui Planning Commission defers decision on Makena State Park improvements
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