Hawaiʻi County proposes new fees for zoo, increased fees for equestrian center

To pay for new positions, programs and other needs, Hawai’i County has proposed new fees for residents and visitors at the Panaʻewa Rainforest Zoo and Gardens in Hilo that would begin on July 1. The zoo now is free for everyone.

The proposal also increases fees over a period of time at its Panaʻewa Equestrian Center, which along with the zoo is part of the Panaʻewa Recreational Complex.

On Tuesday night, the county hosted a meeting to provide information and get feedback from the community about the new fees and any concerns or complaints they might have.

The zoo is home to 82 species and nearly 300 animals in a lush rainforest environment with a petting zoo, playground, pavilions and a gift shop, now is free to everyone.

The new fee for adult county residents will be $4. Kūpuna residents ages 60 and older and keiki ages 18 and younger will remain free.

For non-county residents, adults age 18 and older will pay $12, keiki ages 3 to 17 will pay $5, and it will be free for kids 2 and younger.

There also is an option for an annual pass for Big Island residents that would cost $25.

According to Mindy Runnells, administrator of the Panaʻewa Recreation Complex, the goal was to keep resident fees as minimal as possible. However, the admission fees will help to create a more robust experience at the zoo for everyone.

The fee changes for the Panaʻewa Recreational Complex originated under Mayor Mitch Roth’s administration. But after he lost reelection in November, the proposals were postponed in December.

“One of my first actions as mayor was to suspend the previous zoo admission fee proposal because it needed to be fairer for residents,” Mayor Kimo Alameda said. “After several months of review, we believe this new proposal will keep the zoo affordable for families and people of all ages, from keiki to kūpuna, while ensuring that non-resident guests also contribute.”

Changes to the previous administration’s proposal include waiving admission fees for keiki and kūpuna who are county residents, and adding an annual pass option.

“Importantly, the revenue from these fees opens the possibility for new projects, exhibits and programs that enhance the zoo and ensure it remains a vibrant community space where residents create lifelong memories,” Alameda said.

At the meeting, a majority of community members expressed wanting the zoo to remain free for kamaʻāina (island residents), but to charge tourists an entry fee.

Friends of the Panaʻewa Zoo testified against the zoo fees, however, the group was happy to see that kūpuna and keiki would be allowed free entry, which was a change for the Roth administration’s proposal.

“We recognize that running the zoo is a significant expense to the county’s park system. However, having a free zoo for the public is such a nice amenity for folks living on our island,” said Pat Engelhard, president of Friends of the Panaʻewa Zoo. “We also recognize that the new fees proposed are very reasonable compared to the previous fees. The really great break for Big Island resident adults will be the $25 annual pass.”

According to Engelhard, the organization’s reason for testifying is that the admission fees will go into the general fund, which support all county departments. They also expressed concern that residents may be less inclined to donate directly to the zoo after paying a fee.

“Until now, our gem of a zoo has been the recipient of daily donations given by zoo
guests who appreciate the beauty of the vegetation and the close interaction with the zoo’s
inhabitants, as well as the beautiful artwork on the buildings and the playground,” Engelhard said. “All of those donations are 100% available for improvements at the zoo. We think that once people pay an admission fee, they will be less inclined to give a donation as they leave the zoo, thereby reducing the funds that FOZ is able to contribute directly to the zoo.”

Runnells said she is confident that money will continue flowing into the zoo through donations and gift shop purchases even if entry fees are added.

Friends of the Zoo raise funds through the zoo’s gift shop, stroller rentals and annual fundraisers that will go toward upgrading animal habitats, maintaining the petting zoo, weekly programs, and caring for the zoo grounds and botanical garden.

In addition to the zoo fees, there is a new fee schedule for the Panaʻewa Equestrian Center, with increases phased in annually.

The Panaʻewa Equestrian Center includes equestrian-related facilities such as a 5/8-mile track, eventing and dressage areas, rodeo arena, wash racks and rental stalls with attached paddocks. The center is open for public use seven days a week.

There are currently over 40 horse stalls rented by residents for $500 annually. Over the next 10 years, the fee will increase by $50 each year until it reaches $1,000 annually in 2036.

The new rules would also increase the deposit required to rent a stall from $100 to $500, which can be returned at the end of the year. Once the deposit is raised to $500 in 2026, it will increase by $50 until 2036.

While the cost increase was met with contention, many stall users felt the cost would be fair if the stalls were maintained and repaired. Many renters pay out of pocket for repairs, and recently, the county tore down a stable with a dozen stalls because of extensive damage caused by lack of maintenance.

The county budgets $1.25 million to maintain and operate the Panaʻewa Recreational Complex, which includes the equestrian center and zoo.

“I donʻt know if that’s enough to maintain both the zoo and the equestrian center, especially when I think the county recently closed down a stable without plans to replace it,” renter Annie Epley said. “Maintaining security has also been neglected at times. I have felt unsafe and I know the gates haven’t been locked overnight at least a few times.”

A common frustration among renters is the process of applying for a stall. When reapplying every year, renters must enter a lottery that may result in relocating to a new stall or not getting one at all.

After applications are vetted, which are due at the end of August each year, the County of Hawaiʻi will choose a date in September to pull applicants’ names at random to determine the sequential order for the selection of stalls.

“I’ve been there for two years maintaining two stalls and the park, but that becomes nerve-wracking when we may lose those stalls in the next year,” Epley said. “What is the point of keeping up with the stalls if we can’t stay in the same spot next year?”

The changes can be viewed in the Hawaiʻi County online records archive. For more information, call the Parks and Recreation Administration Office at 808-961-8311.