Hawaii
Hawaii County seeks public input on proposal to charge admission at zoo
HILO (HawaiiNewsNow) – Hawaii County wants to hear your feedback about a proposal to charge admission at the Panaewa Rainforest Zoo and Gardens.
The new proposal said that keiki and kupuna who are county residents would still be free, but adult residents would pay $4.
Non-county residents would also be charged admission as follows:
- Adults 18 and older: $12
- Keiki between 3-17: $5
- Keiki between 0-2: Free
The changes were postponed in last December following a public hearing.
“One of my first actions as mayor was to suspend the previous zoo admission fee proposal because it needed to be fairer for residents,” said Mayor Kimo Alameda. “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 kupuna, while ensuring that non-resident guests also contribute.”
The county’s also pitching a new fee schedule for the Panaewa Equestrian Center, with fee increases phased in annually.
A public hearing on the changes is scheduled for June 3 at 5 p.m. at the Aging and Disability Resource Center in Hilo.
The Panaewa Rainforest Zoo & Gardens is home to 82 species and nearly 300 animals in a lush rainforest environment.
Copyright 2025 Hawaii News Now. All rights reserved.