On Nov. 1, the slip fees in the Ala Wai Harbor will double to $13 per foot per month (PFPM) (“100% increase in slip fees at Ala Wai Small Boat Harbor signal privatization ahead, boaters say,” Star-Advertiser, Oct. 5). The state Department of Land and Natural Resources maintains that these slip increases represent fair market value. However, a search of marinas in San Francisco Bay shows that Ala Wai prices will be far above market with far fewer amenities.

Oakland Marinas (private): North and South docks: 30-foot boat, $9.70 PFPM. Jack London Square: $11.26 PFPM. Amenities include fuel dock, pump out, secured facility, fully secured restrooms, laundry, 24 hour security, free WiFi. The Ala Wai has none of these amenities.

San Leandro Marina (public): $9.30 PFPM. Secure restrooms, free parking.

Ala Wai charges $300 for parking.

DLNR’s slip fee increases mean that Ala Wai boaters will be paying more than at expensive private marinas in California for run-down docks, unsafe and unclean restrooms, zero security, and no fuel or pump out.

Peter Webb

Kaimuki

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