In a move welcomed by animal lovers adn residents alike, Hawaiʻi County’s new Mayor Kimo Alameda has announced that admission to the Pana‘ewa Rainforest zoo & Gardens in Hilo will remain free for the foreseeable future.
This decision, one of Alameda’s first official acts sence taking office, effectively postpones the implementation of proposed admission fees that where slated to take effect on January 2, 2025. “Please continue to enjoy the zoo with free admission,” Alameda stated in the official declaration.
The Hawaiʻi County Department of Parks and Recreation, which oversees the zoo, had previously proposed introducing fees of $4 per adult and $1 per child for Hawaiʻi residents, and $12 per adult and $5 per child for non-residents. Discounts for seniors, active military personnel, people with disabilities, families, school trips, and youth programs were also planned.
Though, Mayor Alameda emphasized the need for further review and public input before moving forward with such a meaningful change. “The pana‘ewa Rainforest Zoo and Gardens is one of the county’s gems and it is indeed critically important that we continue to steward this facility and ensure that residents can enjoy it fairly and equitably,” he explained. “Introducing admission fees is a big step that requires careful consideration from our management with input from the public and community stakeholders.”
The zoo, which opened in 1978 and is part of the larger Pana‘ewa Recreational Complex, has relied primarily on county and private donations for funding. The Friends of the Pana‘ewa Zoo,a dedicated non-profit organization,has played a crucial role in supporting the zoo thru fundraising efforts,program progress,and special events.
“While the Friends group, volunteers and private donations continue to support the zoo, the thoght behind implementing admission fees was that the additional funds generated could help create of a more robust experience for guests,” the department of Parks and Recreation noted.
The proposed fees were intended to allow for the hiring of more staff, the development of new exhibits and programs, and improvements to the visitor experience. These enhancements would have complemented the ongoing efforts of the Friends of the Pana‘ewa Zoo.
For now, however, the zoo will remain free to the public, allowing residents and visitors alike to continue enjoying its unique collection of animals and lush rainforest setting.
A proposed plan to introduce admission fees at the Panaʻewa Rainforest zoo & Gardens in Hilo, Hawaii, has sparked a wave of public outcry. The zoo, a beloved free attraction for generations of local residents, could soon see a change that many believe would negatively impact its accessibility and community value.
The proposal, announced by the Hawaiʻi County Department of Parks and Recreation, has been met with fierce opposition from residents who cherish the zoo as a cherished free space for families and children. Many expressed their concerns on social media, with some using strong language to convey their disapproval.
“I ain’t paying for a zoo that I have visited for free since I was a kid,” commented Laci Leialoha on a Facebook post discussing the proposed changes. Leialoha and others voiced their frustration, arguing that the introduction of fees would make the zoo inaccessible to many families struggling with the rising cost of living.
Robbie Buckley echoed these sentiments, expressing concern that the introduction of admission fees would be followed by parking charges, further increasing the financial burden on families. Buckley fondly recalled past visits, where his children eagerly donated their change to the zoo’s donation box. he fears that the proposed changes would deter families from visiting, impacting birthday celebrations and other special occasions.
Jess Leilani Baugues acknowledged the zoo’s need for upkeep but questioned the timing of the proposed fee implementation, recognizing the financial strain many families are facing. She suggested the possibility of a yearly pass system, emphasizing the importance of affordability.
Other residents proposed alternative solutions, such as charging admission only to visitors from outside the island, similar to the policy at ʻAkaka Falls State Park. Some expressed concerns about the potential impact on accessibility, particularly for individuals with disabilities.
Scott Murray raised concerns about a proposed rule requiring prior approval from the zoo administrator for the use of wheeled medical devices. He questioned the legality of such a rule, suggesting it might violate the Americans with Disabilities Act.
In response to the public outcry, the Hawaiʻi County Department of Parks and Recreation stated that it would carefully review the matter before making any decisions. The department acknowledged the concerns raised by residents and emphasized its commitment to finding a solution that balances the zoo’s financial needs with its accessibility to the community.
A devastating earthquake struck Morocco late Friday night, leaving a trail of destruction and heartbreak in its wake. The powerful tremor, measuring a staggering 6.8 magnitude, ripped through the High Atlas Mountains, sending shockwaves across the region.
The epicenter of the quake was located southwest of Marrakesh, a popular tourist destination known for its vibrant culture and historic landmarks. Buildings crumbled, ancient walls toppled, and terrified residents fled into the streets as the earth shook violently beneath their feet.
“It was like the end of the world,” recounted a local resident, his voice trembling with shock.”Everything was shaking, and dust filled the air. We ran outside, fearing our homes would collapse.”
The immediate aftermath of the earthquake was chaotic. Rescue workers rushed to the scene,desperately searching for survivors trapped beneath the rubble. Hospitals overflowed with injured victims, and the air was thick with the sounds of sirens and cries for help.
As dawn broke, the full extent of the devastation became horrifyingly clear. Entire neighborhoods lay in ruins, with homes reduced to piles of debris. The death toll continued to climb, with officials fearing it could rise considerably as rescue efforts continue.
International aid organizations have mobilized to provide support to the affected communities. Teams of doctors,engineers,and relief workers are being deployed to Morocco to assist with search and rescue operations,medical care,and the distribution of essential supplies.
The Moroccan government has declared a state of emergency, pledging to provide all necessary resources to help those affected by the disaster.The road to recovery will be long and arduous, but the resilience of the Moroccan people and the outpouring of global support offer a glimmer of hope amidst the tragedy.
The earthquake serves as a stark reminder of the immense power of nature and the vulnerability of human life. As the world watches in sorrow, the focus now shifts to providing aid, supporting survivors, and rebuilding shattered lives.
This text appears to be clippings from news articles about three different topics:
1. **Proposed Admission Fees at pana’ewa Rainforest Zoo & Gardens:**
This section discusses a controversial plan to introduce entrance fees to the zoo. It covers public reactions, concerns about affordability, and potential alternatives.
2. **Public outcry Over Proposed Zoo Fees:**
This section focuses on the strong negative response from local residents to the proposed fees. It highlights individual testimonials, concerns about accessibility, and suggestions for alternative solutions.
3.**Devastating Earthquake in Morocco:**
this section reports on a major earthquake that hit Morocco, detailing the destruction, human impact, and immediate aftermath.
**Structure & Tone:**
* **News-style:** The text adopts a neutral, objective tone characteristic of news reporting.
* **Factual details:** It relies primarily on factual information, presenting events, quotes from individuals, and potential implications.
* **Concise and Direct:** Sentences are generally short and to the point, conveying information efficiently.
**Possible Use:**
This text snippet could be part of a larger news article or blog post covering these three separate news stories.
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