HONOLULU — During taping of “Rescue: HI Surf,” an ocean-related series, Bumper Productions LLC violated Division of State Parks rules at Kaiwi State Scenic Shoreline on Feb. 16, according to the Department of Land and Natural Resources’ Division of Conservation and Resources Enforcement.

What You Need To Know

  • Bumper Productions LLC was fined $525 and must also repair and mitigate damage it caused at the site while taping its TV series, “Rescue: HI Surf”

  • Two production vehicles were beyond the area permitted for traffic and vehicles were staged within the boundaries of two archaeological sites

  • There were also two to three symbolic fence posts knocked over and places where vehicle tires had crushed naupaka at the edge of off-limits roads

  • Bumper Productions LLC also has an open state film permit for production in the Mokuleia section of Kaena State Park on Oahu’s North Shore

DOCARE cited the production company as a result.

Under the recently introduced Civil Resource Violation System, the production company was fined $525, the maximum amount allowed under the CRVS, according to a DLNR news release. The company must also repair and mitigate the damage it caused at the site.

“While the fine is manini (small), continued film permit violations could be cause for a denial of the company’s next permit application,” stated DSP Administrator Curt Cottrell in the release. “State Parks wants to collaborate with the film industry, but compliant behavior is critical for resource protection and to minimize impacts to park users. This civil penalty sends a clear signal to the film industry and the value of this message, as a deterrent, is of greater value than the actual penalty itself.”

On Feb. 16, two DSP staff and two DOCARE officers went to Kaiwi to investigate a reported possible violation to the special use permit acquired by the company to film the TV series as filming was underway.

A vehicle used by the production company was parked on a restoration site. (Photo courtesy of Hawaii DLNR)

They observed two production vehicles beyond the area permitted for traffic. There were also two to three symbolic fence posts knocked over and places where vehicle tires had crushed naupaka at the edge of off-limits roads. In addition, vehicles were staged within the boundaries of two archaeological sites, though the state personnel did not see any damage to constructed rock features or other historical features.

“Under CRVS rules, permittees who violate or have previously violated permit conditions or provisions of the rules within a year of their permit application, may have current or future permits denied, canceled, or terminated at any time, without advance notice,” said Cottrell.

Bumper Productions LLC also has an open state film permit for production in the Mokuleia section of Kaena State Park on Oahu’s North Shore.

DLNR Chair Dawn Chang added, “While we recognize and appreciate the importance of the film industry to Hawaii’s economy, this situation highlights the need for all production companies to honor and respect the terms of their permit conditions. It is a privilege to use state land, not a right. That privilege can be taken away.”

Trash left in the park by the production company. The takeaway – pack out what you pack in. (Photo courtesy of Hawaii DLNR)

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