Marine Corps Base Hawaii and the Honolulu Department of Parks and Recreation announced Bellows Field Beach Park will be closed to overnight camping for 15 weeks, May 16 through Aug. 31, for the green sea turtle nesting season.

Overnight camping, as well as twilight use of the bathroom and shower facilities, will be suspended during that time. However, weekend use and weekday use for military training exercises will continue, with restrictions in place at identified nesting sites.

Officials add that the closure may extend beyond the Labor Day weekend if additional nesting sites are discovered. Updates will be provided as the Labor Day holiday weekend approaches.

Since the area will be closed for camping, DPR will use the time to renovate the bathroom buildings and trim surrounding ironwood trees.

Human activities such as illegal beach off-roading, camping fires, dogs, illegal trash dumping and use of artificial lighting have been documented by members of the community, military and park officials.

The green sea turtle is a federally protected and culturally significant endangered species, so in order to protect its nesting area, egg incubation period and hatchlings, the area will be closed.

Identified nesting sites are cordoned off from humans with signs posted at public facilities that contain information about the sites. Anyone who witnesses disturbing or illegal behavior against the turtles or nests is encouraged to call 808-285-9529 or 808-257-2123.

Officials have documented green sea turtle nesting sites along this pristine stretch of shoreline since 2020. They were first reported using the area for nesting when the COVID-19 pandemic necessitated park closures, resulting in less human activity in the area.

Sarah Yamanaka covers events, environmental and community news for Spectrum News Hawaii. She can be reached at sarah.yamanaka@charter.com.