Selected rates for parking
at Hale Koa Hotel to increase

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By Gregg K. Kakesako
gkakesako@starbulletin.com

For the first time in six years some of the parking rates at the Hale Koa Hotel in Waikiki have been raised with the biggest changes borne by senior enlisted personnel and military officers and the general public.

Michael Naka'ahiki, a hotel spokesman, said the biggest increase came in the amount the hotel charges for people who leave their cars in the parking structure for more than 24 hours.

This means that enlisted personnel above the rank of E-6 and officers as well as Department of Defense personnel will pay $10, up from $5.

The maximum 24-hour rate also doubled for the general public, going from $12 to $24.

Hale Koa's parking rates are based on a military user's rank, with junior enlisted personnel paying the least. Those rates for military personnel from E-1 to E-5 weren't touched, Naka'ahiki said.

These junior enlisted personnel pay $1 for the first hour; 50 cents for each additional hour; $2 for eight hours and $5 maximum for 24 hours.

For senior enlisted personnel E-6 and above and officers, the parking rates now are $1 for the first hour and 75 cents for each additional hour -- an increase of 25 cents.

Hourly rates for the general public also were changed, from $2 for the first hour to $3, and $2 for each additional hour -- an increase of $1.

The changes, which went into effect on Oct. 1, were recommended by an audit two years ago but not implemented until this year, Naka'ahiki said.

"As the cost of living goes up, we have to make adjustments," he added.

Naka'ahiki pointed out that the hotel and parking lot operations have to be self-sustaining because they do not receive any federal funding.

The hotel and its facilities are only open to active and reserve military personnel, Department of Defense workers and retired military service members.

Some retired military members have criticized the parking fee hikes because some patrons use the facility to avoid the higher rates at adjacent hotels. They believe the military should have free parking for using Hale Koa.

Hale Koa users pay $2 while attending a function at the hotel or eating at one of its restaurants.