Illegal campers on Na Pali coast cited

By Jan TenBruggencate
Advertiser Kaua'i Bureau

LIHU'E, Kaua'i — The population of semi-permanent residents and illegal campers in remote Kalalau Valley was so stable, it had its own library.

State conservation enforcement agents cited 50 people last week for being in the valley illegally. Enforcement agents with helicopter support conducted a three-day sweep of the valley, which is part of the Na Pali Coast State Park.

The library, with 331 books and magazines, was taken apart and hauled out by helicopter from a remote part of the valley. The book collection belonged to one of the illegal campers.

"We want the public to enjoy the natural resources of Na Pali, but we need to make sure that they are doing it in a way that does not degrade those resources," said Peter T. Young, chairman of the Department of Land and Natural Resources.

Young said more enforcement visits are planned.

DLNR law enforcement chief Gary Moniz said those in the valley must have either a camping permit or day-use permit. Camping permits are limited to 60 people per night in summer, and there is a $10-per-night fee.

On some summer nights, illegal campers equal or outnumber the legal ones, said Wayne Souza, state parks administrator for Kaua'i.

"We're having a lot of trash left behind and there are illegal campsites being cleared up in the valley," he said.

The enforcement crew arrested a 54-year-old man for violation of park rules, giving false information and resisting arrest. Forty-nine others were given criminal citations for prohibited camping, entry without a permit and related offenses.

Kalalau is the largest valley along the rugged Na Pali. It is reached either by sea or by an arduous 11-mile hike. It has a broad white-sand beach backed by cliffs and a waterfall that drops directly onto the sand. The valley has been a haven for long-term illegal camping for decades.