State limits use
of some public
hiking trails

The aim of the regulations
is to keep the trails from
deteriorating while also
making a little money

By Crystal Kua
Star-Bulletin

The state doesn't want public hiking trails to become like Hanauma Bay.

The popular and overused East Oahu bay -- which has seen its natural attractions deteriorate from too many people doing too much snorkeling -- is what state officials point to as an example of what happens when ecotourism is not held in check.

In the same way, the state doesn't want hiking and biking tourists who pay $70 to $100 a pop to wear out public trails while enjoying nature.

As a result, state Land Board Chairman Michael Wilson announced yesterday that the state is accepting applications from tour operators who want to use 37 public trails statewide.

It may not be perfect, but the permitting process is the best way at this point to control an ever-growing industry, a state trails official said.

"It's not 100 percent of what the market is," said Curt Cottrell, Na Ala Hele Trails and Access Program manager. "We're establishing some responsible use. The goal is to find as many trails that could accommodate this use."

The permitting process is part of a one-year pilot project aimed at helping the state to manage the trails and make some money to upkeep them.

Tour operators will regulate the use of trails. For example, pedestrian traffic at six trail systems on Oahu will be limited to two groups of 12 persons per day.

The tours will only be conducted Monday through Friday from sunrise to sunset, and will cost operators $3 per patron.

The money will be placed in a fund to maintain the trails.

Wilson said tour companies have been involved in developing a process that could strike a balance between recreational and commercial use.

"They care about the land they are using," Wilson said.

Cottrell said the number of trails on the list may grow if the need arises.

Kauai has the highest use of public trails by commercial operators, the Big Island the least and Maui and Oahu are in between.

The trails that were selected are already highly used and are part of the 85 public trails statewide.

Commercial operators will be required to be residents of the state, have liability insurance and have all required state and county permits and licenses.

Tour operators have until Nov. 15 to submit their applications.

The permits will be granted as long as the trails are not damaged by people throwing trash or picking plants that are off-limits.

Enforcement of the permits will begin when administrative rules are approved, at about the same time the program gets off the ground, Cottrell said.

Ecotourism on the trail Here's a list of trails the state will allow commercial tours on: KAUAI Nounou Complex, which includes Nounou East and Kuamoo trails Kuamoo Kuilau Complex, which includes Kuilau and Moalepe trails Powerline Wailua Forest Management Road Contour Road Awaawapuhi Complex, which includes Awaawapuhi, Nualolo Cliff and Nualolo trails. Iliau Nature Loop Kukui Trail Pihea Complex OAHU Kealia Trail and Access Road Hauula Loop Trail Maakua Ridge Trail Honolulu Mauka Trail System, which includes Kalawahine, Pauoa Flats and Manoa Falls trails Maunawili Trail and Access Road Kuliouou Valley and Ridge Trails MAUI Waihee Ridge Trail Lahaina Pali Trail Boundary Trail Polipoli Trail Complex, which includes Plum Trail, Tie Trail, Polipoli Trail, Redwood Trail, Haleakala and Ridge Trail Waiakoa Trail (certain portions only) Waihou Spring Trail Waiohuli Trail Skyline Access Road Mamane Trail Waikamoi Ridge Trail BIG ISLAND Puu Huluhulu Trail Puu Oo Horse Trail, state portion Ainapo Access Road and Trail Muliwai Trail Humuula Trail Source: State Department of Land and Natural Resources