HONOLULU – The Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) will hold the second of two meetings — from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Sept. 24 at the Jefferson Elementary School Cafeteria, at 324 Kapahulu Ave. — intended to solidify a community ad hoc committee to advise DLNR's Division of Boating and Ocean Recreation (DOBOR) on development of a parking plan for the Ala Wai small boat harbor.

The ad hoc committee is being formed to provide community feedback to the Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) regarding long-term management of the parking areas for Ala Wai SBH, according to a DLNR news release.

The committee's formation was proposed by the Board of Land and Natural Resources (BLNR) to assist DOBOR in more effectively managing vehicle parking and public access at its Ala Wai facility.

"Following this second meeting, we expect to have a formal group of user representatives identified, and this group should have a clear understanding of their goals over the next year," said Laura H. Thielen, Land Board Chairperson.

The Board of Land and Natural Resources in May, 2008 approved a public parking plan that would provide no less than 300 free public parking stalls, set parking meter fees elsewhere in the harbor, and create an ad hoc committee to work with DOBOR to provide input on parking and enforcement issues.

On Aug. 8, 2008, the BLNR approved DOBOR's request to issue a revocable, 12-month permit to allow a parking vendor to manage the Ala Wai SBH parking areas. That revocable permit should be issued shortly.

The first meeting in establishing an ad hoc committee was held on Aug. 20, 2008.

Over the next 12 months, DOBOR will be developing a Request for Proposals (RFP) for a long-term parking plan.