Things are looking up for nature lovers and comfort seekers in Hā‘ena State Park. Recently, the state Board of Land and Natural Resources granted approval to a local nonprofit to build a new public comfort station. According to a statement by the Department of Land and Natural Resources, Hui Makaʻāinana o Makana, the dedicated stewards of the park, will take on the project with non-government funding, paying for the entire capital improvement.
The organization, with its roots stretching back to 1999, has shown an impressive commitment to safeguarding the park's natural and cultural resources. Operating revenues that have been accumulated over the past four years, mainly from running the park's parking and shuttle system, will fund the comfort station, strategically placed in the parking lot where visitors and residents first set foot in the park.
Environmental and cultural sensitivity is key to this project; the comfort station's locale avoids any impact on cultural sites within the park. As it stands, visitors have had to take a five-to-15-minute stroll to the only restroom by the beach. DSP Administrator Curt Cottrell stated, "Over the years, many people have commented on the lack of restroom facilities at the parking lot." He then emphasized the sustainable angle: "The new station should reduce the number of people who head into the trees to relieve themselves, which will help protect the natural and cultural resources of Hā‘ena," as per the Department of Land and Natural Resources.
Parking may be limited during construction, but the new parking plan and enhanced shuttle service should reduce any inconvenience. Once completed, Hui Makaʻāinana o Makana plans to transfer the improvements to the state.
