Maui's Kanaha Beach Park to reopen to campers

By Timothy Hurley
Advertiser Staff Writer

WAILUKU — Eight months after evicting dozens of homeless campers from Kanaha Beach Park, Maui Mayor James "Kimo'' Apana announced yesterday that the park's campground will reopen Thursday.

Campers will have to obtain permits much like they were before the campground was shut for sanitary reasons in February.

Apana had allowed the homeless to stay at the campground last summer while the county worked to find them housing. But the mayor ended up ordering the removal of about 70 campers on the advice of the state Health Department. The campground was bulldozed.

County spokeswoman Karlynn Kawahara said reopening the park was delayed because repairs took longer than expected. She said an irrigation system leak contributed to the delay.

Apana, who faced a whirlwind of opposition when he announced plans to enforce a ban on camping at West Maui's Papalaua Wayside Park and then later reversed himself, said he wants to open camping in other county parks, including Waihe'e Beach Park and Honomanu Beach Park in Ke'anae.

As for Kanaha, permits will be $3 a day per adult and 50 cents a day for children younger than 18, with a three-day limit.

Camping will be permitted only Thursday through Monday, leaving Tuesday and Wednesday for continued repairs and ensuring there will be no long-term use.

Apana said the Department of Parks and Recreation is now developing a system of monitoring campsites. But until those procedures are in place, campers are being asked to report unleashed dogs, open fires and littering, by calling (808) 270-7855.

"Camping is a local tradition,'' Apana said. "We want to make sure our campsites are safe, clean and available to everyone.''