Protect free parking and ocean access at Ala Wai Boat Harbor

The Ala Wai Boat Harbor area is the last free parking in Waikīkī. However, recent actions by the Division of Boating and Ocean Recreation indicated plans to privatize the harbor, which may lead to losing the last remaining 300 parking stalls. The local community has been opposing privatization of the harbor and a reduction of the free parking numerous times over the last two decades through grassroots movements. In 2008, the Board of Land and Natural Resources (BLNR) as recommended by its Division of Boating and Ocean Recreation (DOBOR) reduced the number of free parking stalls (from 545 to 300).

Another attempt was made in 2020 by DOBOR to reduce the free parking by another 125 stalls, which was unsuccessful due to public outcry. In 2022 another attempt to monetize public ocean access was made when the BLNR authorized the issuance of a Request for Proposals (RFP) to find a private developer of the AWSBH. This action by a state agency does not protect the free recreational parking that was negotiated by the public in 2008 because the parking plan was “subject to change” in the RFP.

Lack of free access would (1) add a financial barrier to the local community and restrict their access, (2) increase the financial risk of getting towed if the parking is converted to metered parking, (3) pose a public safety concern with people parking at Magic Island and paddling through the channel to access the surf breaks.

SB 364 was the most recent measure which aimed to establish a leasing program within DOBOR that would allow privatization of the harbor allowing for development and jeapordizing free parking and ocean access. 

Surfrider O'ahu Chapter along with Save Ala Wai Surf Parking organized community members to oppose and block this effort and SB 364 was deferred on February 3rd, 2025 in the Committee on Water and Land. Companion HB 210 was never scheduled a hearing.