"..same dysfunction that marks the way the state handles other problems on its trails and popular spots."

The mentality of Hawaii county seems to be - Keep the tourists at the resort hotels, let em' rent cars and drive around, buy a souvenir, and go home.

Civilized amenities such as bathrooms, enhancing parks and scenic places is not encouraged because it would take man hours to maintain and it would encourage more independent minded travelers. The country prefers packaged tour tourists to be sequestered at the resorts it's more cost efficient. 
It's an old policy that needs to change!