A state Department of Land and Natural Resources report said what everyone should know: State recreational resources "are in a shameful condition." There is bitter irony in that fact.

The chief lure for the islands' chief source of revenue is nature - the ocean, beaches and scenic landscapes. For the visitor, the enjoyment of those attributes is often degraded by shabby, ill-maintained facilities. Like ignored housework, conditions will only worsen with time.

Board of Land and Natural Resources Chairwoman Laura Thielen appears determined to make the most of the state's parks and boating facilities even after the Legislature scuttled her "Recreational Renaissance." The plan was to issue bonds to fund needed improvements and repay the bonds with user fees. After the Legislature decided otherwise, Thielen could have just given up, but she didn't.

The BLNR oversees the DLNR and can make rules and regulations with or without the approval of the Legislature. Thielen is now promoting a pay-as-you-go plan. By instituting park fees for visitors - not residents - and increasing mooring fees, she wants to raise $8 million a year to fund improvements - $4 million for the parks involved and $4 million for the Division of Boating and Ocean Recreation.

Today in Honolulu, the BLNR takes up "Recreational Renaissance - Plan B, Back to Basics."

Thielen is convinced the public will be ready to pay if it can see where the money is going. Under Plan B, entrance fees would fund improvements for that park. Although no specific parks were named, the original proposal called for visitor entrance fees at Iao Valley and Makena state parks. Money raised from increased mooring fees would stay with the Division of Boating and Ocean Recreation.

Thielen's persistence is laudable, particularly in face of the Legislature's shortsighted obstinacy. It's long past time when natural resources can be taken for granted. Beautiful oceans, beaches and scenery can't make up for tawdry toilets and facilities that are falling apart.

* Editorials reflect the opinion of the publisher.