Question: We heard there’s a plan to legalize alcohol in Kapiolani Park. There’s going to be a public meeting Friday. For us who cannot attend, where do we write to oppose this?
Answer: Honolulu’s Department of Parks and Recreation proposes to adopt new rules “governing the service, consumption and possession of intoxicating liquor in conjunction with a permitted activity in public parks” under its management, according to a notice on the department’s website.
A public hearing on the matter is scheduled for 2 to 4 p.m. Friday at the Mission Memorial Conference Room, 550 S. King St. in Honolulu. Those who cannot attend, or who wish to submit testimony longer than the time for verbal comments, may send written testimony to the Department of Parks and Recreation, Executive Services Division, 1000 Uluohia St., Suite 309, Kapolei, HI 96707.
Written testimony must be mailed no later than Jan. 15, according to the public-hearing notice.
The department proposes to adopt Title 19, Chapter 12, administrative rules and regulations governing intoxicating liquor in city parks. You can read the full proposal at 808ne.ws/1MPW4qd Opens in a new tab.
The provision that has drawn particular ire is found in Section 19-12-6, which proposes that intoxicating liquor may be served (but not sold) at “invitation only” events within “the designated park area within Kapiolani Beach Park commonly known as Queen’s Beach.”
Critics of the proposal, which include the Kapiolani Park Preservation Society, decry the idea of limiting public access in favor of private events held on public land, and of allowing alcohol in public spaces in which it is currently prohibited.
In its public notice, the Department of Parks and Recreation stated that the proposed administrative rules reaffirm the general ban on intoxicating liquor in public parks, while establishing a regulated process to allow alcohol to be served at a limited number of special events that have proper permits.
Q: Isn’t fishing illegal in Waikiki?
A: Fishing is not allowed in the Waikiki Marine Life Conservation District, which extends from the Kapahulu groin (jetty) to the Waikiki War Memorial Natatorium. However, on an alternating annual basis, fishing is allowed in the adjacent Waikiki-Diamond Head Shoreline Fisheries Management Area, and 2016 is a fishing year.
So through Dec. 31 fishing is allowed in the management area, which encompasses the nearshore waters between the Ewa wall of the Waikiki War Memorial Natatorium and the Diamond Head Lighthouse, from the high-water mark on shore to a minimum seaward distance of 500 yards, or to the edge of the fringing reef if one occurs beyond 500 yards, according to the state Department of Land and Natural Resources.
Permissible fishing methods include pole-and-line, throw net, spear (daylight hours only) and hand harvest.
This stretch of shoreline is popular among residents and tourists alike, who fish, swim, surf, snorkel, paddle and sail there. The array of recreational enthusiasts are advised to be aware of one another and to share the ocean.
According to DLNR, this is the only marine area in Hawaii that has a cyclical one-year-open and one-year-closed management regime. The area was chosen partly because of its easily identifiable boundaries. It is managed this way to restore fish stocks.
Mahalo
I recently visited my grandmother’s grave at the National Cemetery of the Pacific (Punchbowl) and was struggling with the urn to put flowers in. It was stuck upside down in the mud, and I had such a tough time digging the mud out with my flower shears. A family of four parked near me. The oldest son, a teenager, asked if he could help me. What a wonderful gesture, as there was no way I could get the urn out. Not only did he pull out the container, but he took it to the nearby faucet and washed all the mud off. I wished I had something to give that young teen. … I thanked him and complimented his mom and dad for raising a fine young man. It is truly nice to see a thoughtful young person and family. — Grateful senior
Write to “Kokua Line” at Honolulu Star-Advertiser, 7 Waterfront Plaza, Suite 210, 500 Ala Moana Blvd., Honolulu 96813; call 529-4773; fax 529-4750; or email kokualine@staradvertiser.com.
