The poll, conducted between March 15 and 17, included 421 registered voters statewide. The poll has a margin of error of plus or minus 5 percent.But nearly four out of 10 registered voters participating in the Honolulu Star-Bulletin poll said they prefer there be no fee whatsoever for Hanauma Bay and like facilities.
Critics say that charging admission to the bay could set a precedent leading to fees at other beaches.
The poll, conducted between March 15 and 17, included 421 registered voters statewide. The poll has a margin of error of plus or minus 5 percent.
At 39 percent, the largest number of residents said there should be no fee.
Twenty-two percent favor a charge on tourists only; 21 percent say residents and nonresidents should be charged, but nonresidents more, and 18 percent prefer charging both residents and tourists.
There's now a donation box at the entrance to the bay and no required fees.
In January, the City Council repealed a 6-month-old law charging nonresidents a $5 entry fee following complaints from supporters of the visitor industry.
A proposal now going through the Council calls for a $3 entry fee for nonresidents and a $1 parking fee for all motorists entering the facility's parking lot regardless of resident status.
Waikiki resident Fern Eckland, 83, said she doesn't mind paying a fee, so long as it goes toward maintenance and upgrade of the bay.
"Residents should pay also," said Eckland, who was among those polled. "If I go to Sea Life Park, don't I expect to pay a fee?"