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In response to Jeffrey Dennison's Aug. 2 letter, "Disheartened with paid beach parking spreading," I appreciate his concern about preserving access to Maui's beaches. We all share that goal.
One important fact deserves emphasis: Park Maui is free for kamaʻāina, all day, every day. Hawaiʻi residents with a valid Hawaiʻi driver's license park free at participating Park Maui beach locations. Residents who prefer not to use the app can simply scan their license at a kiosk--no personal information is retained from kiosk transactions.
Park Maui is about managing a limited public resource, not simply collecting parking fees. Better parking turnover means more people have the opportunity to enjoy our beaches.
Just as important, visitor parking revenues are reinvested through the county's Parking Revenue Fund to support parking operations and, as funds allow, transportation improvements, parks, cultural resources, and environmental stewardship. This helps visitors contribute to maintaining the places they enjoy rather than placing those costs solely on local taxpayers.
No program is perfect, and Park Maui should continue to evolve through community feedback. But its goal remains simple; keeping parking free for kamaʻāina while improving access to our beaches for everyone.
Neil Nakamoto
Kahului