The state has obtained a temporary restraining order preventing a North Shore couple from erecting an unpermitted seawall on public land outside their property.

What You Need To Know

  • The order against homeowners Richard and Joann Palmer is effective through Feb. 3.

  • The Department of Land and Natural Resources Office of Conservation and Coastal Lands received several reports about heavy machinery being used to construct a concrete-rubble masonry wall on public beach near the Palmers’ property

  • Besides restricting public access, seawalls contribute to the narrowing and loss of beach area and degradation of public recreational areas, animal habitats and natural storm protection, the AG’s office noted

  • The case is the latest in a series of conflicts between the state and private landowners seeking to protect their properties against shoreline erosion

 

The order against homeowners Richard and Joann Palmer is effective through Feb. 3.

The Department of Land and Natural Resources Office of Conservation and Coastal Lands received several reports about heavy machinery being used to construct a concrete-rubble masonry wall on public beach near the Palmers’ property.

“Shoreline hardening presents serious threats to the natural shoreline and the public’s use of the beach,” said deputy attorney general Miranda Steed, lead attorney for the state. “Protecting shorelines is critical to mitigating climate change effects and ensuring future generations will have beaches, too.”

Hawaii beaches are held in trust by the state for the benefit of the public. Besides restricting public access, seawalls contribute to the narrowing and loss of beach area and degradation of public recreational areas, animal habitats and natural storm protection, the AG’s office noted.

“With continuing encroachment onto Hawaii’s conservation lands we will continue seeking remedies to stop unpermitted activities, such as shoreline alterations as alleged in this case,” said OCCL administrator Michael Cain.

The case is the latest in a series of conflicts between the state and private landowners seeking to protect their properties against shoreline erosion.

Earlier this month, the Board of Land and Natural Resources fined North Shore landowners William and Melinda Kernot $948,000 and Randy Youman $993,000 for violations involving the installation of unauthorized erosion-control measures.

Last month, the state Board of Land and Natural Resources fined Josh VanEmmerick $77,000 for installing an unauthorized barrier along his North Shore property.

Michael Tsai covers local and state politics for Spectrum News Hawaii. He can be reached at michael.tsai@charter.com.