Get ready for a smoother and more user-friendly experience with changes to Honolulu’s online camping reservation system. Developed in collaboration between the departments of Parks & Recreation and Information Technology, this updated system aims to streamline web-based services and provide better support for campers. With the Parks & Recreation Online System (PROS), navigating the reservation process will be a breeze, and the digital layout is designed to be more intuitive. Not only will this new system enhance the experience for park users, but it will also enable DPR staff to manage campsites more efficiently. Plus, the City will save money as the new system eliminates the need for costly subscriptions and upgrades. Read on to find out more about the changes and how to make the most of this improved online camping reservation experience.
Changes to Honolulu’s Online Camping Reservation System
Streamlining web-based services
Honolulu’s online camping reservation system is undergoing changes to streamline web-based services offered by the City. The collaboration between the departments of Parks & Recreation (DPR) and Information Technology (DIT) aims to provide better support to those using the system. The outdated system being used by DPR is being replaced by a new online interface called PROS (Parks & Recreation Online System). This new system is designed to make it easier for park users to navigate DPR’s services and obtain camping permits.
Collaboration between DPR and DIT
The changes to Honolulu’s online camping reservation system are the result of a collaboration between the departments of Parks & Recreation (DPR) and Information Technology (DIT). By working together, DPR and DIT aim to improve the user experience and provide more efficient services. DPR Director Laura H. Thielen expressed excitement about the new system, stating that it will connect campers with the outdoors and make it smoother and easier to obtain permits.
Replacement of outdated system
The recent changes to Honolulu’s online camping reservation system involve the replacement of an outdated system that was being used by DPR. The new system, PROS, is designed to be more user-friendly and provide a streamlined experience for campers. It also improves DPR staff’s ability to manage campsites and enables better maintenance on the software by DIT.
Benefits of the new system
The new online camping reservation system brings several benefits to campers and the City of Honolulu. Firstly, it provides a more user-friendly interface, making it easier for campers to navigate and obtain permits. Secondly, it saves the City money by replacing the old system that required a subscription and would have required a significant upgrade cost. Additionally, the new system provides more sustainable and reliable support for those using it.
Cost-saving for the City
By replacing the outdated system with the new PROS interface, Honolulu’s City saves money. In the 2022 Fiscal Year, the City paid approximately $6,000 for the old system’s subscription. If they had chosen to upgrade the old system with the contracted vendor, they would have been charged an additional $86,000. The new in-house system maintained and operated by DIT provides a more cost-effective solution.
Important information about the new system
Campers using the new online camping reservation system need to be aware of important information. It is recommended to set up an HNL.info account in advance of making a camping reservation as the old system and its log-ins are no longer valid. Online registration must be completed within a specific time frame due to high demand. The HNL.info platform includes a credit card service fee, slightly increasing the cost of permitting three-day and five-day campsites.
Updated pricing and fees
The cost for a camping permit under the new system has been updated. Campsite permits now cost $10 per day, with a $2 administrative fee and a 2.35% credit card service fee. The additional service fee results in a total cost of $32.75 for a three-day camping permit and $53.22 for a five-day camping permit. It is important to note that the amount of camping days and the fees paid per campsite are not adjustable. Campers are not obligated to utilize the entire camping period, but the fees will remain the same regardless of use.
Non-adjustable camping days and fees
Under the new online camping reservation system, the number of camping days and the fees paid per campsite are not adjustable. This means that campers cannot modify the duration of their camping period or negotiate the fees. The fees remain the same regardless of whether campers choose to utilize the entire camping period or only a portion of it.
Campsite transferability and refunds
Campsite permits under the new system are non-transferable and non-refundable, unless the campgrounds are closed by DPR officials. It is important for campers to be aware that once a permit is obtained, it cannot be transferred to another person. Additionally, refunds are only provided if the campgrounds are closed by DPR officials.
Reservation procedures and rules
The reservation procedures and rules for camping in Honolulu remain largely unchanged. Reservations open at 5 p.m. on Fridays for camping periods two weeks in advance. Online reservations close at 11:59 p.m. (HST) on the Thursday immediately before the camping period. In-person reservations can be made up to 4 p.m. on the Friday of the camping period. It is important for campers to be familiar with these procedures and adhere to the rules set by DPR.
In-person reservation options
For campers without computer/internet access or a valid credit card, in-person reservations are still available at the DPR Permits Office, located on the 1st floor of the Fasi Municipal Building. This provides an alternative for those who prefer to make reservations in person rather than using the online system.
Additional camping rules
There are several other camping rules that remain unchanged under the new online camping reservation system. These include limitations on the number of people and vehicles allowed per campsite. Only ten people and three vehicles are allowed per campsite. Another rule to note is that camping is not permitted on Wednesday afternoons through Friday mornings.
Integration with existing hnl.info accounts
Many online users already have an HNL.info login as it is used to connect with and stay informed about various City and County of Honolulu services. The new online camping reservation system integrates with existing HNL.info accounts, making it convenient for users who are already familiar with the platform. This integration allows campers to access and manage their camping permits alongside other services offered by HNL.info.
Current services connected to hnl.info
HNL.info currently offers numerous services connected to DPR facilities and activities. These include existing PROS registration, which serves various DPR facilities and activities such as the Summer Fun Program, seasonal park and garden activities, Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve, and the Koko Head Shooting Complex. Furthermore, HNL.info provides schedules for park gymnasiums, skate parks/rinks, and pools. The integration of the new online camping reservation system with existing HNL.info accounts makes it easier for campers to access all these services in one place.
Number of campsites and permits issued
DPR maintains 218 campsites at 17 campgrounds around O’ahu. In 2022, DPR issued a total of 8,776 camping permits. This indicates the popularity of camping in Honolulu and the demand for a streamlined online reservation system. The changes made to the online camping reservation system aim to improve the experience for campers and meet the needs of the growing camping community in O’ahu.
In conclusion, the changes to Honolulu’s online camping reservation system, resulting from a collaboration between DPR and DIT, aim to streamline web-based services and provide better support to campers. The outdated system has been replaced with a more user-friendly interface called PROS, which offers a streamlined experience for obtaining camping permits. The new system is cost-saving for the City and integrates with existing HNL.info accounts, making it convenient for users. It is important for campers to familiarize themselves with the updated pricing, fees, reservation procedures, and rules to ensure a smooth camping experience.
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