A bill, passed by the City Council 7-2 yesterday, charges a $3 entry fee for nonresidents and $1 for parking, regardless of residency.
But those fees won't kick in for another six months or more. That's because the bill requires the Parks and Recreation Department to get a permit to put up a toll booth in the parking lot and for the existing ticket booth.
Parks Director Dona Hanaike told Council members that it would probably take at least six months to process the special management area use permit.
Until then, a donation box will remain at the entrance of the park, said Budget Director Malcolm Tom. "We need every penny we can get," he said.
Councilman Mufi Hannemann, chief sponsor of the bill, called the measure "a compromise" between factions on the Council and Mayor Jeremy Harris.
In January, a $5 nonresident fee that had been in place for six months was repealed by the City Council following widespread complaints, particularly from tour operators. The donation box was put in as an interim measure.
The new fees are expected to generate $2.4 million annually. Though less than the $4 million that the $5 fee was projected to raise, the new fees are expected to cover operating, maintenance and capital costs associated with the bay, with enough left over for an education program.
Councilman Steve Holmes had proposed deleting the $3 nonresident fee. His amendment was ignored and Holmes - one of those against the bill - acknowledged he didn't have the votes to eliminate the visitor fee.
Councilman Andy Mirikitani also voted against the measure.
About a half-dozen Oahu residents continued their opposition yesterday.
Tourism consultant Carol Sword warned that Hawaii tourism would be damaged should word get out through bad press that the city is charging to go to the beach. Council members responded that charging for parking at beaches or other facilities isn't new.
Motorists will have a 15-minute grace period for drop-offs, pickups and quick picture-taking.