State addresses ‘misconceptions’ over plans for popular Maui beach

HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) – Following a slew of rumors on social media, the Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) clarified its proposal for upgrades at Makena State Park.

Read more What’s Cooking: Oh My Grill offers deals, promotions ahead of busy summer

The plan suggests building two restrooms and two showers at the park, as well as adding pavement to existing parking lots, and infrastructure for staff.

“The most important thing is that, you know, there are no planned changes to existing access or management,” DLNR Division of State Parks Acting Administrator Alan Carpenter said. “I have no issues with opposition or concerns about any project that we’re putting forth, but I just think the opposition should be based on facts and not misconception.”

To avoid misunderstandings, Carpenter listed the suggested changes, which include toll booths to collect the same fees for out-of-state visitors, which the department has been doing since before COVID.

“Simply so that the on-site staff can have a place to be, house while they’re on site continuing the job they’ve always been doing,” Carpenter explained.

Besides the toll booths, there would be no changes to the fees themselves.

Hawaii residents will still be able to park and go to the beach for free.

There were also concerns over the plan to expand the two paved parking lots.

“We’re simply taking gravel areas at the margin of the lots and creating a little more formality to the existing parking. So, no additional parking, just a little more paving on the margins,” Carpenter clarified.

The state polled residents on the proposal for one comfort station and a rinsing shower at each of the two paved parking lots.

Read more Police arrest woman following knife threat at Kakaako apartment building

“It’s about two to one that residents preferred to have permanent bathrooms to the temporary ones that we have now. And two to one also they wanted showers,” Carpenter said.

In 2021, DLNR responded to concerns from the Maui County Cultural Resources Commission over the showers, included in the plan’s .

Commission members were worried that beachgoers would use shampoo and other detergents that could leach into the wetlands, adding that showers use a lot of water and are not a necessity.

Department officials wrote back saying they are open to foot rinsing stations instead, which would use less water, but would also allow people to rinse off sand before entering the restrooms to help with maintenance

DLNR added that the use of soap and shampoo will be discouraged.

“We’re not developers. We’re preservers of open space, nature, culture, all those things. So it’s just, you know, all we’re doing is upgrading the facilities to a higher standard, which I think is necessary for a park of that importance to the local community,” Carpenter said.

The Maui Planning Commission needs to approve the plan and is set to discuss it later this month.

Read more Local businesses respond to matcha mania, facing rising prices, supply shortage