Although DLNR Chair Chang has talked about the importance of community outreach and involvement, there have been no public meetings with Ala Wai Small Boat Harbor users regarding the harbor, during DLNR Chair Chang’s tenure as Chairperson. (Note: there were two DLNR ‘listening sessions’ on Oahu, Dec 12 (Windward) and 13, 2023 but few attended the Dec 13 (Sand Island) evening meeting, due to rain, traffic, and it was poorly advertised. 

It is so difficult for most of us to make ends meet on the island already. After bills, taxes, rent, work is taken care of, the place that I (and many others) go to relax and connect with Ke Akua is the ocean. Making our free public parking spots fee-based is just another way to keep the middle/lower income residents from having access to our best surf spots. Surfing has saved my life in so many ways. The ocean has taught me Malama Honua. For many, the ocean makes us better versions of ourselves and hence, better community members.

As a longtime resident and local of Hawaii, I support this bill to have free and safe public access. Free parking is essential to have safe access for all especially the youth of Hawaii. My children are Native Hawaiian, they surf and canoe surf as their ancestors did before them. We must keep safe places where young and old natives can gather that does not require a pay to play transaction like the rest of Waikiki. 

My name is Ian Yee, and I am writing in strong support of SB1034 to guarantee at least 300 parking stalls free of charge for the public at the Ala Wai State Boat Harbor (AWSBH). I live in Nuuanu, and surf 4-6 times per week at the spot known as Kaisers, right in front of the parking lot on the beach. I have surfed at this spot for 45 years, back when the helipad was there. There is no other close, free, and easily accessable parking in this area. I am also Native Hawaiian, and believe it is my right to easily and regularly access the ocean. Converting the free parking stalls to paid would only marginalize many people who cannot afford to pay to go to the beach. Do not let the rich, or non-local people steal our ocean access merely by using money as a bludgeon for exclusion. Keep these same stalls in the same locations for free. And do not make them free, but locate them far away or difficult to access. We are an ocean going community. It is why tourists come to Hawaii. It is in our culture, heritage, and imbedded in the beauty of our islands. To take away this basic right is to deny our local people a basic need that is a part of Hawaii. Would you prohibit Olelo too? And for me, another beach or surf break is not an option nor should it be a choice I am forced to make.

Hey I'm a surfer from Oahu, I live in Mililani and surf often at bowls, the parking lot makes surfing at bowls possible and makes the water sports accessible. I'm 17 years old and have a huge passion for surfing and this will drastically effect my self and many many others. This is my first time ever testifying for anything and it's really important that the parking lot stays the same. I'll keep it plane and simple. Don't let the money makers change the island land any more this is outrageous.