For Immediate Release: August 2, 2005

DLNR Expanding Mobile Food Concessions At State Parks

The food concession concept is part of a larger effort by DLNR to expand services and opportunities to the public by privately operated concessions.

Last year, the Hawai‘i Tourism Authority (HTA) conducted a visitor survey at state parks. When asked to choose what they were most unsatisfied by, park users ranked the lack of food concessions as one of the most unsatisfying parts of their park experience.

One of the recommendations to come out of the HTA survey was to review food concession quality and availability in State Parks.

“The survey results surprised us because we had no indication that the public wants food concessions in State Parks,” said Peter Young, DLNR Chairperson.

“We have received inquires from people interested in operating mobile food concessions at our facilities. The fact that we have both the possible vendors and the public interest in food concession opportunities makes for a win-win situation,” said Young.

DLNR is currently seeking sealed bid proposals to provide mobile food concessions at three State Park locations on Kaua‘i, three locations on Hawai‘i and four locations on Maui.

On Kaua‘i, the locations are: Koke‘e State Park (Waimea Canyon lookout), Polihale State Park, and Wailua River State Park (‘Opaeka‘a Falls lookout).

On Hawai‘i, the locations are: Akaka Falls State Park, Wailuku River State Park (Rainbow Falls), and Kealakekua Bay State Historic Park.

On Maui, the locations are: ‘Iao Valley State Monument, Kaumahina State Wayside, Makena State Park, and Waianapanapa State Park.

The invitation to bid and related forms are available on the DLNR website at www.hawaii.gov/dlnr/dsp/dsp.html

Bid packages will be available at State Parks district offices and administrative office at 1151 Punchbowl St., Rm. 310 in Honolulu.

A qualification questionnaire and intent to bid forms must be submitted by 2 p.m. on August 18, 2005 and bid proposals are due by 2 p.m. on August 31, 2005.

In February, DLNR issued bids for mobile food locations on O‘ahu. Currently mobile food concessions operate at Diamond Head State Monument and at Nuuanu Pali State Wayside.

For more information regarding the current invitation to bid and mobile food concessions in State Parks please contact Jim Springer, State Parks property manager at 587-0296, or call State Parks district offices on Kaua‘i (808) 274-3446; Hawai‘i (808) 974-6206, and Maui (808) 984-8102.

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