Harbor users made their feelings known outside of the Land Board meeting. They want parking at the Ala Wai Boat Harbor to remain free.

"Free beach access! Free beach access! Free beach access! Free beach access!" protestors chanted.

Once protestors were called to testify, the board heard an earful.

"The people that can't afford to park in this area will be forced out and have to park somewhere else," said Melissa Ling-Ing, a harbor user:

"For the public to lose access to the ocean in Hawaii just seems like an absolute sin to me," said Mark Cunningham of the Defend Oahu Coalition.

Instead of more than 600 free parking stalls, the public would be limited to 130.

The goal is to help pay for badly needed harbor repairs.

"We're already burdened with enough fees in Hawaii that it seems unconscionable that the state wants to add another one," said Gary Kaaihue harbor user.

After more than six hours of testimony and discussion, the board was able to clear up some confusion.

The rule change would not automatically convert free parking at the harbor into paid parking.

"The Division of Boating and Ocean Resources would have to come forward to us with a proposal to set the public parking rates for that area," said Land Board Chairperson Laura Thiele.

The board voted 6 to 1 to amend the administrative rules, but warned the head of the Boating and Ocean Recreation Division that public hearings must be held first to come up with a suitable parking plan.

"It creates the ability for you guys to come back to the same kind of meeting when the plan comes and says give the 130." said Timothy Johns, Land Board Member.

While harbor users won a small reprieve, under the proposed rules boat owners may have to pay more for their parking. Up from $20 dollars a year to as much as $25 dollars a month.

"This is nothing more than a money grab okay. There's money out there but you really shouldn't be taking it from the citizens."Ala Wai Tenent
Michael Kraft said.

Protestors say all parking at the harbor should remain free a tradition that goes back decades.

"This is not, this doesn't fit in with the people. This is not something that we are going to accept - we completely reject this," said Save Our Surf memeber George Downing.

The rule change must be reviewed by the attorney general and then approved by the Governor before it goes into effect.