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Parks staff prepare to launch online permit system

No camping or lodging permits will be issued on Maui, Kauai or Hawaii on Feb. 9 due to staff training session

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The Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) Division of State Parks is preparing for the launch in the next few months of a new online camping and lodging reservation and permit system for Hawaiii’s State Parks, a major step to increase efficient, user-friendly public service as part of the DLNR’s Recreational Renaissance initiative.

State Parks Division has been working with Hawaii Information Consortium (also known as eGov Hawaii) to create and test a new Internet-based site that will accept camping and lodging permit reservations and — a major improvement for the general public — payment by credit card.

The new system will eliminate the need for the public to physically visit State Park offices, and saves staff time and costs spent on processing mail or faxed permit applications and payment for camping and lodging reservations. However, the public may still come to the respective office for personal, same-day permit service, if they prefer. Mail-in permit requests will be discontinued.

This long-needed conversion to an Internet-based system, which is part of the Lingle-Aiona Administration’s ongoing effort to provide more online services for the public, will vastly improve the service and convenience for both local and out-of-state park visitors in obtaining camping and lodging permits. Along with the added convenience, increased camping and lodging fees will go into effect.

This new Internet portal will also eliminate the need for photo identification, and significantly – allows for the public to instantly query availability of camping and lodging sites, also saving a significant amount of staff time that has been dedicated for years on informing the public of available camping and lodging sites over the phone.

“We are optimistic that this faster, streamlined service will also encourage greater camper compliance in obtaining permits, and reduce overuse and impacts to the natural resources at select and popular camp sites,” said Dan Quinn, State Parks administrator.

After State Parks staff is trained in the use and management of the site, there will also be live testing in Parks offices statewide for a specific time period concurrent with walk-in and mail-in permit applications.

The new system is anticipated to be available to the public in March 2010.

In preparation for the startup of this system, State Parks offices will not be issuing camping or lodging permits at the Maui, Kauai or Hawaii District offices for one day – Tuesday, Feb. 9 –while parks permit staff receive training to use and manage the new system.

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