WHAT DO YOU THINK?
The Chapter Executive Committee is considering adopting a policy on public use of state lands and waters. The adoption is prompted by the need to resolve conflicts between access and resource protection. Conflicts have arisen over the commercial use of public lands. Some community members on Kauai opposed boating operations that involved the use of state lands. The Depart ment of Land and Natural Resources is considering restricting the use of certain trails by com mercial operations.
Please provide your comments on the proposed draft below. Write us at P.O. Box 2577 Honolulu, HI 96803 or contact any of the Executive Committee members.
DRAFT PUBLIC LANDS AND WATER USE POLICY STATEMENT:
It shall be the policy of the Sierra Club, Hawai'i Chapter to support educational, conservation and low-impact recreational activities on public lands and waters, provided that activities do not strain the carrying capacity of the area.
Policy Guidelines
1. Appropriate regulation is often necessary to prevent degradation of natural resources or to preserve the natural, wild character of an area. Such regulation should protect traditional Hawaiian customs, traditions and practices.
2. Effective regulation may require distinguish ing between commercial and non-commercial uses. The distinction is appropriate since com mercial users profit from public lands and commercial users may lack a financial incentive to be good stewards of our natural resources ("the tragedy of the commons"). Non-commercial uses should be given first priority for uses. Where the use of an area by out-of-state visitors is facilitated by the rental of equipment, such use should be considered commercial. The activities of legitimate 501(c)(3), 501(c)(4) and other tax-ex empt organizations with educational or conservation related missions should not be designated by government agencies as commercial.
3. Effective regulation may require limiting the use of an area to a particular business, group, or other entity to a maximum number of visits in any given time period. Such regulation should pro vide an exception to those groups fulfilling the vital role of educating Hawaii's school children, such as that played by the Hawai'i Nature Center.
4. Prior to regulating such activities, govern ment agencies should seek broad-based community input, while placing the importance of pro tecting the natural resources paramount.