Wanted to share my perspective on the recent press release from the state of Hawai‘i DLNR (Department of Land and Natural Resources) released to the media.
I would also like to thank The Garden Island for their journalism. I am very disappointed the state chose a ridicule headline and released irrelevant, disturbing photos in the article. This defamation alarmed Kaua‘i residents and unfortunately started this heartbreaking community division of “locals” bashing “locals.”
The alleged complaints in the article are written in a biased opinion and, unfortunately, did not reveal any facts from the department’s response to the “complaints” it received prior to making this drastic decision of closure (of Polihale State Park).
Failure to act upon leading indicators, “complaints” will develop into trailing indicators of “numerous complaints” — simple management.
If the state provided us an avenue or communication of the complaints, we are resilient, and would have prevented all of this from escalating.
Blaming Kaua’i for “bad behavior” is hiding behind the truth of poor management. The control of COVID-19 cases on Kaua‘i is a true testament of solid collaborative enforcement.
The statements in the article stating Polihale is “nearly impossible to enforce” “due to its large size and isolated location” is unfathomable due to the amount of enforcement activity in Kalalau.
“Enhance, protect, conserve and manage Hawai‘i’s unique and limited natural, cultural and historic resources held in public trust for current and future generations of the people of Hawai‘i nei, and its visitors, in partnership with others from the public and private sectors,” reads the DLNR mission statement.
Lastly, after reading and thinking of the execution of their mission, I am very disappointed my beach access to Na Pali Coast has been revoked as I witness no protection to enhance and conserve our unique historic resources.
Kaua‘i, we must unify and recognize that this article does overplay the truth. Yes, we do need attention, but drawing negative attention closes the door to solution-base discussions.
I do have a huge concern with beach access, but the community division is heart-wrenching.
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Editor’s Note: This letter has been edited to reflect the DLNR did add captions to the press release about the closure of Polihale State Park.
Taryn Dizon is a resident of Kekaha.
