• Time for Kaua‘i to take back Kalalau • Trade Time for Kaua‘i to take back Kalalau I just returned to the Mainland from my third trip to Kalalau Beach in the last three years (two of the trips were
• Time for Kaua‘i to take back Kalalau • Trade
Time for Kaua‘i to take back Kalalau
I just returned to the Mainland from my third trip to Kalalau Beach in the last three years (two of the trips were in the last two months). It was a very bitter-sweet trip.
The valley, beach, and trail were beautiful as always. Truly the Na Pali Coast is one of the most spectacular and beautiful places in the world. And that is why I am appalled at the complete lack of stewardship by the DNLR.
My issues stem mostly from the residents/squatters, but to a larger degree the DLNR since they are doing virtually nothing to preserve this treasure. In no particular order here are some of my more disturbing observations from my most recent trips:
– If the DNLR’s idea is to make Kalalau Beach uglier by installing a bunch of redundant reflective metallic signs, well then they’ve succeeded. I won’t go into it here, but there are better ways for the DNLR to get their points across than to litter a scenic area with obnoxious signs.
– The best camp sites are occupied by “residents” that do not have permits.
– Several “residents” mentioned that they are collecting unemployment while living at Kalalau. Not only are they living for free at Kalalau, but Hawaiian taxpayers are literally giving the “residents” their money so they can live illegally in a state park, and buy drugs and alcohol (see below) with your money.
– This is a very rough guess, but there were probably a minimum of 30 to 40 squatters and illegal campers, on average, per day at Kalalau.
– I saw several abandoned camps in the valley that contained trash.
– I saw feral goats, dogs, and cats. Three years ago I saw one goat and one cat in five days. This year I saw at least two dozen goats and six cats in five days.
– I saw a two-person kayak land with one person and enough gear and food for a four- to six-week stay.
– A different “resident” told me how he kayaks in his supplies in the summer and hides them until he comes back in the winter. He said he usually stays for about a month and a half.
– I saw an abundant amount of non-native plants.
– A “resident” told me how once a month at a pre-arranged time someone will throw garbage bags with food and supplies from a boat for the “residents.” He was excited because last month the care package included LSD.
– I had a drunk “resident” tell me to “watch it” because “people disappear out here and are never found.”
– I was told (second-hand) that one of the “residents” was setting up traps to catch nene. The man who told me this said he didn’t think the resident knew what they were, or that they are the endangered state bird.
– Water from Kalalau Stream is being diverted for crop irrigation.
I realize that the DNLR doesn’t have the resources of the National Park Service, but imagine this scenario: Squatters living in Yosemite National Park (some of whom have been there for 10, 15, or even 20 years) are diverting water from the Merced River in order to plant non-native species. Over the years they brought in their pets, so now there are feral dogs and cats running around Yosemite. Some of the squatters are respectful of the environment, but several leave their trash in abandoned camp sites. They bring LSD into Yosemite Valley. They occasionally get drunk and threaten patrons who have paid to enjoy the park. Despite growing their own crops, they have a craving for meat, so they catch bald eagles to cook over their (illegal) camp fire.
In the above scenario, what do you believe the NPS would do? Would they use lack of money as an excuse for inaction? Or would they do the right thing?
The answer for the DNLR is really pretty simple. Increase the permit maximum from 30 to 60. This will potentially double the park revenue and the additional proceeds should then be used for enforcement.
Presently there are approximately 30 legal campers and about 30-40 squatters/illegal campers per day for a total of 60-70 people at Kalalau. Many people that can’t get permits go anyway, since they know the chances of being caught are slim at best. Provided that the squatters are permanently removed, there would be no additional burden on the park by increasing the amount of permits.
Perform random permit checks at the beach, valley, and trail a minimum of 52 times a year. 1st offense – $500 fine. 2nd offense – $1,000 fine and 80 hours community service (somewhere besides the Na Pali Coast). 3rd offense – the penalty continues to escalate.
It’s time for the people of Kaua‘i to take back their park. Is there anybody on Kaua‘i that cares enough to protect this scenic wonder for future generations? If so, who? Why hasn’t anyone stepped up and proclaimed themselves as “The Protector of Kalalau”? What a tremendous legacy that would be to leave behind. Please, someone proclaim themselves, so I can join your cause.
Eric Hernanz, Portland, Ore.
Trade
Capitalism has existed since the beginning of, if not before, recorded history — 7,000 years.
They called it “trade” before Karl Marx, I heard, coined the word “capitalism” as derogatory term when trying to sell a societal system, communism/socialism, which was built on the principle of an ant colony.
If he could change human nature it might have worked. But human nature can’t be changed or even modified slightly. It is what it is!
Many people over the centuries endured great risks gong to distant lands to trade and bring back varied and rare items not found locally. Many explorers took untold risks in the search for new trade routes to distant lands — Christopher Columbus as an example.
Those with the capability to reason and have the adventuresome spirit will always try to better their condition and position in life. This is the profit motive in action.
The one truism I like is that: “If a market exists for any product or commodity, someone or a consortium will provide it if profitable.” This is the strength of capitalism.
This human trait is natural; therefore, capitalism is natural, therefore, moral. And, it is the reason why the “War on Drugs” can’t be won.
Ralph Tamm, Lihu‘e
