HONOLULU — Officers from the Department of Land and Natural Resources Division of Conservation and Resources Enforcement cited 23 people on Saturday evening for violating access restrictions at Kaena Point State Park.

What You Need To Know

  • Eighteen people were cited for violating the park’s closure hours, while five others were cited for not having special access permits; in addition to the access violations, another citation was issued to a man for allegedly spearing an undersized kala

  • The access violations allegedly occurred despite DLNR’s earlier announcement that it would be enforcing park hours (6 a.m. to 7 p.m.) during the holiday weekend and a large digital sign at the entrance to the Mokuleia Section of the park that illuminated Memorial Day weekend closure hours

  • DOCARE officers in trucks and all-terrain vehicles began contacting people on the beach and the roads an hour before Saturday night’s closing

  • The Keawaula Section of the park has observed nighttime closures for several years; now DNR officials are considering imposing restrictions on the Mokuleia Section

Eighteen people were cited for violating the park’s closure hours. Five others were cited for not having special access permits.

In addition to the access violations, another citation was issued to a man for allegedly spearing an undersized kala.

All 24 people are scheduled for initial court appearances next month.

The access violations allegedly occurred despite DLNR’s earlier announcement that it would enforce park hours (6 a.m. to 7 p.m.) during the holiday weekend and a large digital sign at the entrance to the Mokuleia Section of the park that illuminated Memorial Day weekend closure hours.

DOCARE officers in trucks and all-terrain vehicles began contacting people on the beach and the roads an hour before Saturday night’s closing. According to the department, most people packed their belongings and left on time. 

Drivers with special access permits on their vehicles are allowed to open a locked gate at the end of the pavement to reach designated dirt roads beyond. Those drivers were allowed exit and entrance at the first gate, which was staffed all night by DOCARE officers. 

“Kaena Point State Park, both the Mokuliea and the Keawaula/Makua sections, represent truly the last large and wild coastal environment on Oahu,” said Curt Cottrell, DLNR Division of State Parks administrator. “It is a valued resource for people to enjoy but, equally significant, it is a sanctuary for native birds and mammals who need additional protection when so many people are visiting, like we’re seeing this weekend.” 

DSP personnel were also on hand to monitor interactions between people and the area’s monk seals.

“One day during the current pupping season, we had 16 monk seals on Kaena Point beaches,” said DSP interpretive technician Lesley McPherson. “Other than one fenced-off area that seals frequent, we don’t have the ability to have people guarding them 24-hours a day like has happened in Waikiki.” 

DOCARE Chief Jason Redulla said, “We are devoting significant resources this weekend to enforcing the park closures and we appreciate that the vast majority of Kaena Point visitors are complying and when officers explain the reasons, most understand.” 

DLNR officials said human impact on Kaena Point’s natural resources is evident, from the remains of illegal bonfires to erosion and damaged vegetation due to off-road vehicle travel to litter left behind from large parties.

The Keawaula Section of the park has observed nighttime closures for several years. Now DNR officials are considering imposing restrictions on the Mokuleia Section.

“This weekend is a pilot project as we explore the capacity to enforce hours and behavior throughout the entire park on a permanent basis,” Cottrell said. “We’ll engage the local community and stakeholders as these actions are evaluated and future plans are formulated.”