HONOLULU — Officials say the grounds of the Honolulu palace of the Hawaiian monarchy will close earlier to eliminate the potential for vandalism and vagrancy.
HONOLULU — Officials say the grounds of the Honolulu palace of the Hawaiian monarchy will close earlier to eliminate the potential for vandalism and vagrancy.
The Honolulu Star-Advertiser reports the state Department of Land and Natural Resources announced this week that the Iolani Palace State Monument will close at 6 p.m. starting Feb. 1.
The state monument grounds are currently open 6 a.m. to 11 p.m.
Department officials say there has been increasing vandalism over the past several years, including damage to a palace window and graffiti on historic structures.
They say the change was made “to better protect the sanctity of the palace and preservation of its invaluable buildings and grounds.”
The state Division of State Parks consulted with the Friends of Iolani Palace, determining the earlier closing time was necessary.
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Information from: Honolulu Star-Advertiser, http://www.staradvertiser.com
