Nearly two dozen state law-enforcement officials and Kaua‘i Police Department officers issued citations to 14 individuals for camping without permits during a three-day cleanup last week of the Kalalau Valley and the Na Pali Coast State Park. State Department of
Nearly two dozen state law-enforcement officials and Kaua‘i Police Department officers issued citations to 14 individuals for camping without permits during a three-day cleanup last week of the Kalalau Valley and the Na Pali Coast State Park.
State Department of Land and Natural Resources Division of Conservation and Resources Enforcement (DOCARE) officials initiated the cleanup following public complaints to DLNR officials. Nearly two tons of trash was also collected during the cleanup, DLNR officials said.
Those cited for camping without permits are subject to fines, jail terms, or both, and may have to forfeit their gear, DLNR officials said.
“Kalalau is a very special place, and I commend the Kaua‘i conservation and resources enforcement officers, forestry personnel, state parks personnel and the Kaua‘i police for their efforts in this remote, isolated area,” DLNR Chairperson Peter Young said in a statement.
“This sweep was designed to ensure compliance with DLNR camping and access restrictions in this unique wilderness camping area. People have called us to say how happy they are that this cleanup effort has taken place, and how it restores the beautiful, natural scenery,” Young said.
Young expressed his frustration over those who camped illegally and contributed to the accumulation of trash in the cleanup areas. “It is unfortunate that those responsible for the illegal camp sites, trash and other prohibited activities — some of them chronic offenders — have not respected Kalalau enough to adhere to established, permitted activities.”
DLNR officials will continue with “follow-up sweeps and inspections of the Na Pali Coast wilderness area as our resources allow,” Young said.
“We want the public to enjoy the natural resources of Na Pali, but we need to make sure that they are doing it in a way that does not degrade those resources,” Young said.
Ten state park employees in Kalalau Valley collected almost two tons of trash, and discarded belongings from 27 illegal campsites, DLNR officials said.
The trash was sling-loaded and flown out by helicopter to Polihale State Park, where four more park workers trucked the debris to the Kekaha Landfill.
DLNR officials asked for the public’s help in reporting illegal camping and trash dumping in Kalalau Valley and state wilderness areas along Na Pali Coast.
Officials said anyone observing illegal activities in the valley or any other state park or wilderness area should contact DLNR’s DOCARE, 274-3521, toll-free to O‘ahu at 274-3141, then 7-0077# after the recorded message, or call collect weekends or nights by dialing 0 and asking the operator for Enterprise 5469 to be connected to the 24-hour enforcement hotline.
Gary Moniz, DLNR law enforcement chief, said, “Persons entering the Na Pali Coast State Park for the day are reminded that they must have a valid day-use permit for access to the area.”
Anyone wanting to camp overnight in the park is required to have a valid camping permit in their possession at all times, Moniz emphasized.
The camper also must comply with all permit restrictions and conditions, he said, adding that “nudity is prohibited.”
Those who hunt along the Na Pali Coast also are required to have a valid hunting permit from the DLNR Forestry and Wildlife Division, and valid hunting licenses with them at all times, DLNR officials said. Additional information about Hawai‘i’s natural resources and DLNR’s administrative rules may be found at www. hawaii.gov/dlnr.
Lester Chang, staff writer, may be reached at 245-3681 (ext. 225) or lchang@pulitzer.net.
