Youth corps imperiled
by lack of money

Associated Press

The state Department of Land and Natural Resources is looking at shutting down the Youth Conservation Corps program and privatizing two small boat harbors.

Land board Chairman Timothy Johns told the House Finance Committee yesterday there is no money in his budget to keep the Youth Conservation Corps going next summer.

The original program was abandoned in the mid 1980s when federal funding was discontinued. It was revived in 1995 and for a while had a $40,000 annual budget that served up to 100 youths. The eight-week, hands-on program teaches youths about Hawaii's wildlife and natural resources as they participate in such work as trail maintenance and park cleanup.

Johns also told the committee the governor again will ask the Legislature to approve the privatization and commercialization of the Ala Wai and Keehi small boat harbors on Oahu.

Ala Wai is in need of major capital improvements which could be included as part of revitalization of Waikiki and be handled as part of a privatization deal, Johns said.

The state expects holders of slips at Ala Wai and Keehi will object to the proposal, fearing higher rentals, but allowing the private operation would generate enough money to avoid increases of slip rates at other state harbors, he said.