It's not much of a stretch to say the state Department of Land and Natural Resources is a legislative orphan. This is the department that has never received the kind of attention the state's No. 1 economic resource deserves. This is the department that routinely finds its budget slashed in favor of spending elsewhere.

The DLNR is responsible for all the state's beaches and the ocean reefs and marine life to a point three miles off the coast. In an economy that is dependent on the hospitality industry, neglecting natural resources such as Iao Valley and Makena is onset financial suicide.

Facilities are needed for tourists - and residents - to enjoy Maui's natural wonders. That means beaches, parks, small-boat harbors and boat ramps - all of which have suffered from the lack of supervision, maintenance and development.

This year, the DLNR came up with a comprehensive plan. The "Recreation Renaissance" calls for spending $240 million in bond money on 238 state park capital improvements, including construction of an off-road vehicle park on Maui and improvements to the Maalaea and Lahaina small-boat harbors. When it was announced, the five-year plan was billed as an economic stimulus measure. That's an understatement.

Chairwoman Laura Thielen of the Board of Land and Natural Resources says the plan will be most effective if the Legislature will approve a lump sum appropriation, rather than its usual practice of approving only individual projects. A lump sum would allow the DLNR to move on projects ready to go and, if snags are hit, to move the money to another project. As envisioned, the plan would be self-financing once improvements paid for by bonds justify charging nonresident fees.

The "Recreational Renaissance," Senate Bill 636, is the kind of measure that legislators love to nibble to death. It's past time the Legislature allowed the kind of investment critical to protecting and improving the outdoor facilities so essential to local lifestyles and getting visitors to return year after year.

* Editorials reflect the opinion of the publisher.