04-07-2011, 06:09 PM
So I took the bull by the horns and dashed off a letter to the DLNR about the confusion at Akaka Falls re: fees. Here's the response I got from Curt Cottrell, the Assitant Administrator:
Hi Richard - thank for you email and comments. Unlike initiating parking fees for visitors and PUC transportation companies at the Pali Lookout on Oahu and Iao Valley on Maui - the entrance fee collection at Akaka was necessary - and more challenging - due to the small parking area in relation to actual visitation.
As you accurately describe - it is a bit more intricate scenario than a straightforward parking fee. When the Division of State Parks (DSP) initiated this concept - the goal was to not replicate how we have been charging entrance fees at Diamond Head - with a gate and an attendant shack and charging all users. This would create queuing up problems at other parks due to layout and traffic.
For this current endeavor across the State we made a commitment to only charge out-of-state visitors (who are more accustomed to paying a fee - and the commercial carriers). Technology has advanced with the sophistication of the parking payment machines that are real time internet and can process both cash and credit cards. The commercial carrier can either enter codes or use a smart card - they do not need to have cash.
The intent at Akaka Falls is to honor the parking entrance scenarios that waives a fee if you are a resident - even if you have a car load of visitors. The goal is to collect only from the commercial companies - who already know in advance about the fee, and the independent visitor. A visitor who comes in with a local resident, typically is a guest - and therefore should be free. DSP did not want to set up the uncomfortable situation where a local stands by while their guest pay. This scenario is consistent with how DSP collects in the 2 parking fee scenarios.
This is a bit confusing, and I will communicate to the vendor about this policy. It does make it challenging for the attendant - but that is their function - to provide polite guidance and insure that money, credit cards and codes are entered into the machine. No money should go to the attendant.
Regarding the placement of the machine and attendant - DSP will also be conferring with the vendor to assess how this is working and how to perhaps improve the process.
This operation is authorized under a month to month Revocable Permit - and once we see if this process is tenable at Akaka, DSP will put this back on the market for a longer term concession contract. In addition to the extra and new revenue, the visitor and commercial user data we are collecting is critical to assess what a reasonable monthly rate should be for a longer term contract. It is also money that we do not have - DSP is literally looking for coins under the couch due to our deplorable budget situation. As an example - the total allocation from the Legislature to DSP in General Funds in 1992 was @ 8 million dollars - for the entire Hawaii State Park System. DSP's current allocation is 4 million.... you get the picture...
Anyway, thank for your interest and taking the time to contact us and share your perceptions - deeply appreciated.
Hi Richard - thank for you email and comments. Unlike initiating parking fees for visitors and PUC transportation companies at the Pali Lookout on Oahu and Iao Valley on Maui - the entrance fee collection at Akaka was necessary - and more challenging - due to the small parking area in relation to actual visitation.
As you accurately describe - it is a bit more intricate scenario than a straightforward parking fee. When the Division of State Parks (DSP) initiated this concept - the goal was to not replicate how we have been charging entrance fees at Diamond Head - with a gate and an attendant shack and charging all users. This would create queuing up problems at other parks due to layout and traffic.
For this current endeavor across the State we made a commitment to only charge out-of-state visitors (who are more accustomed to paying a fee - and the commercial carriers). Technology has advanced with the sophistication of the parking payment machines that are real time internet and can process both cash and credit cards. The commercial carrier can either enter codes or use a smart card - they do not need to have cash.
The intent at Akaka Falls is to honor the parking entrance scenarios that waives a fee if you are a resident - even if you have a car load of visitors. The goal is to collect only from the commercial companies - who already know in advance about the fee, and the independent visitor. A visitor who comes in with a local resident, typically is a guest - and therefore should be free. DSP did not want to set up the uncomfortable situation where a local stands by while their guest pay. This scenario is consistent with how DSP collects in the 2 parking fee scenarios.
This is a bit confusing, and I will communicate to the vendor about this policy. It does make it challenging for the attendant - but that is their function - to provide polite guidance and insure that money, credit cards and codes are entered into the machine. No money should go to the attendant.
Regarding the placement of the machine and attendant - DSP will also be conferring with the vendor to assess how this is working and how to perhaps improve the process.
This operation is authorized under a month to month Revocable Permit - and once we see if this process is tenable at Akaka, DSP will put this back on the market for a longer term concession contract. In addition to the extra and new revenue, the visitor and commercial user data we are collecting is critical to assess what a reasonable monthly rate should be for a longer term contract. It is also money that we do not have - DSP is literally looking for coins under the couch due to our deplorable budget situation. As an example - the total allocation from the Legislature to DSP in General Funds in 1992 was @ 8 million dollars - for the entire Hawaii State Park System. DSP's current allocation is 4 million.... you get the picture...
Anyway, thank for your interest and taking the time to contact us and share your perceptions - deeply appreciated.