Counties consider
control of harborsSo far, the Maui and Honolulu
mayors are interested in the
offer from the state
The state has asked mayors if they would like to take over running the 21 recreational boat harbors and 54 launch ramps in their counties.
Where the boat harbors are
State recreational boat harbors operated by the Department of Land and Natural Resources' Division of Boating and Ocean Recreation:>> Hawaii County: Honokohau, Kailua-Kona, Keauhou, Wailoa, North Kawaihae, South Kawaihae
>> Kauai County: Nawiliwili, Port Allen, Kikiaola, Kukuiula
>> Maui County: Lahaina, Maalaea, Manele, Kaunakakai, Hana, Hale O Lono
>> Honolulu: Ala Wai, Keehi, Waianae, Haleiwa, Heeia Kea
Many of the harbors and ramps are in poor condition and in need of expensive repairs, but both Maui Mayor Alan Arakawa and Honolulu Mayor Jeremy Harris are interested, saying they see an opportunity to better serve boaters by improving the run-down facilities.
Big Island Mayor Harry Kim is not interested, saying his county is too financially strapped to take on a new obligation. Kauai Mayor Bryan Baptiste said he is considering the offer.
The state Department of Land and Natural Resources "is investigating private partnerships for the management, maintenance and/or operation of its small boat harbors and launch ramps," department Director Peter Young wrote each of the mayors June 24. "But before we get too far into the process, I want to know if you are interested in taking over all of the harbor and ramp facilities in your county."
Young said yesterday he has not had formal responses yet from the mayors, but hopes to hear from them soon. He said it is possible that some counties could take over their harbors while others do not.
Many specifics would have to be worked out, including what would become of state employees of the harbors, Young said.
"It's just in investigation right now, just to see if there's interest," he said.
Though the appointed Board of Land and Natural Resources is aware that the department was investigating privatization options, Young said he has not discussed with board members his offer to the counties.
Any county takeover of harbors would require both county and Land Board approval, Young said.
The state recreational harbors are rife with problems. More than 100 slips at Waikiki's 750-slip Ala Wai harbor are unusable, while more than 600 boaters languish on its waiting list.
Similar situations exist at Keehi Lagoon, Lahaina and Maalaea on Maui, and Honokohau in Kona.
Arakawa is enthusiastic about the concept of county ownership but wants to hear more, he said yesterday.
"The state for many years now has not done a good job with our harbors," he said. "They'll be the first to admit that there are a lot of things that need to be worked on."
Lahaina and Maalaea harbors generate revenue for the state, and if Maui County took them over, the money would flow to the county, he said.
Arakawa said he believes county operation would be preferable to a private operator.
"Mayor Harris says he likes the idea, pending further discussions on the details," said spokeswoman Carol Costa.
"The mayor says that because they (the harbors) are decrepit and in need of repair ... this fact offers the city an opportunity to bring about improvement," Costa said.
"We are an island state, but we have fewer recreational boat slips than Arizona. We look forward to the opportunity to pursue developing more recreational boat slips in answer to the pent-up demand."
Kim said he does not think Hawaii County should run its harbors, but he will watch out for all county harbor users.
"I don't care to see Honokohau Harbor so expensive that only the rich can pursue a berth there," Kim said.
