View Point

Friday, September 19, 1997

Don’t scuttle harbor
privatization idea just yet

State must reform management of
small-boat harbors and welcomes advice from all

By Howard Gehring

Boaters' fear of privatization is fanned by those who are willing to trade what they do know, for that which they do not know.

The state is listening; the governor and his leadership team are taking action. Managing our boating facilities in the same way we have in the past will likely promote the same results and even more complaints from the many customers who use the state-run, small-boat harbors and facilities.

Progress on this issue is purposefully measured, not at flank speed toward a singular solution feared by those opposed to privatization.

My objective in responding to the Sept. 12 View Point column from two opponents of privatization is to add some knowledge to the mix of information, or lack of accurate information, that pervades the subject of privatization.

The Department of Land and Natural Resources chairman recently asked the former administrator of the DLNR's boating division to look at one of many options on how to change the way the state provides small-boat harbor services: privatization.

Essentially, if we can get proposals from several private entities that have successfully operated marinas elsewhere, maybe we can adapt all or part of one of those proposals to our situation in Hawaii.

A legislated task force has been established to also consider the concept of community-based management of our small-boat harbors.

The boating interests of Hawaii have a real bargain monetarily when the prices paid to use the small-boat harbors are compared with other states having similar or larger boating needs.

To build upon this and, at the same time, to try to maintain such reasonable costs creates a challenge. Part of that challenge is recognizing the likely need for increased fees to meet customer demands coupled with more direct local involvement in maintaining the facilities in place today.

In my new position at the Division of Boating and Ocean Recreation, all opinions based on a studied review of the facts are most welcome.

I am not pro-business. I am not anti-business. I am pro-balancing real needs (rather than the wants) of boaters. We are going to be more attentive to their needs and more candid about what is possible. But I need harbor-users' help in heading in the right direction and doing the right things for all boating interests.

It is inappropriate to beat up on the current administration. It is the boaters' program -- we boaters pay for it and we get what we pay for! Are boaters willing to expect more, less or status quo?

To replace the existing facilities previously developed for the boating interests would cost more than $200 million. It takes more than $10 million annually just to maintain them. Right now the boaters' contribution falls well below what is needed.

We are headed toward a welcome test, one in which we need to stand together as we withstand the critical scrutiny of possibilities and maybe some self-serving interests. All is to be done in a public forum provided by law.

Under those provisions, while putting my reputation on the line, I am expected to decide and recommend the best possible action based on proper input. Boaters and other harbor users, through their elected representatives, eventually tell me what they want me to execute.

In the meantime, the complainers will complain and the producers will produce. Please join me in the latter group.

As boaters use the facilities for recreation or commercial business, it would help if they would try again and take time to informally discuss these and other issues with public servants.

These include the harbor agents and the district managers: Jeff Bearman on Kauai and Hawaii; Chuck Penque on Molokai, Lanai and Maui; and Steve Thompson on Oahu. They work closely with the other state and federal agencies providing enforcement and other services so boaters have safe, economical moorings and facilities.

Some bottom lines: The governor is exploring possible solutions; so is the Legislature. So are some community groups. For local issues we need advice from the community.

We seek effective partnerships. We seek knowledge. We all want to do what is right. Let's work together.

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Howard Gehring, a recently retired
Coast Guard rear admiral, is acting administrator of the
Division of Boating and Ocean Recreation in the state
Department of Land and Natural Resources.