Hale'iwa's Ali'i Beach Park checked for illegal activities
By Will Hoover
Advertiser North Shore Writer
The Honolulu Police Department has launched a crackdown on illegal activities at Ali'i Beach Park in Hale'iwa in recent weeks.
City spokeswoman Carol Costa said the action was prompted by a complaint in early February from the office of state Rep. Michael Magaoay, D-46th (Kahuku, North Shore, Schofield). She said police have not only made arrests, but have continued to monitor the situation.
Magaoay said his office had heard from a number of residents worried about loitering, illegal camping, drinking and drug activity in the Hale'iwa Small Boat Harbor and in Ali'i Beach Park.
"It's a very strong concern with our constituents — especially with the ice epidemic problem we're having now," Magaoay said yesterday. "I want people to think they can go into the park and feel secure."
Troubles in the harbor and park are nothing new to folks in Hale'iwa. Two years ago, after vandals destroyed the harbor's public restroom, the structure was replaced by a 50-ton building with steel-reinforced concrete walls strong enough to withstand a bomb blast.
Police have made four arrests in the area since the complaint was processed on Feb. 6, said Michelle Yu, HPD spokeswoman. She said those arrests were all for outstanding warrants.
"Police have been making checks," said Yu. "They did find individuals who were wanted, and those people were arrested."
Yu said campers have also been asked to leave. Camping without a permit is not allowed in the park.
North Shore resident Jake Ng was unaware of the crackdown, but said there have been concerns in the past about activities in and around the boat harbor.
"Ali'i Park is locked up at night, but from what I understand, people park their cars in the boat harbor and then just walk over to the park and loiter around," said Ng.
Ng said the disturbances have generally involved younger males.
"I'm happy with the results," said Magaoay. "It's a balance we're trying to provide. I'm sorry that people are displaced, but there are rules that have to be followed."
Reach Will Hoover at 525-8038 or whoover@honoluluadvertiser.com.
