Maui mayor wants to reverse camping ban

By Timothy Hurley
Advertiser Maui County Bureau

WAILUKU, Maui — Faced with public resistance to the enforcement of a new ordinance that bans camping at Papalaua Wayside Park, Mayor James "Kimo'' Apana announced yesterday he wants to reverse the law and allow camping to continue.

Apana said he plans to introduce a resolution and bill to overturn the ordinance passed in the fiscal year 2002 budget session making camping illegal at the West Maui park, which is on the thin strip of land between the ocean and Honoapi'ilani Highway.

Apana said he's also going to ask the council to formally accept Papalaua and four other parks deeded to the county by the state to clear up ownership issues.

In 1992, the state turned over to the county Wahikuli State Park, Launiupoko State Wayside Park, Ukumehame Beach Park, Kihei Beach Reserve and Papalaua Wayside Park.

But the council has always resisted accepting the parks, saying the state doesn't offer adequate liability protection.

However, according to the Maui County Code, the council must formally accept the land in order for the county to own it — and to regulate the ongoing camping there, Apana said.

In a letter to the council, Apana urged members to accept ownership of the land, allowing the county to administer camping rules that would ensure the safety of those who use the park.

The mayor also said he's directing his staff to examine the possibility of allowing camping at Waihe'e Beach Park and Honomanu Beach Park in Ke'anae.

Correction: A previous version of this story misidentified Waihe'e Beach Park as Waiehu Beach Park.