Posted on: Friday, October 8, 2004

Sweep cleans up illegal Kalalau campsites

Advertiser Staff

LIHU'E, Kaua'i — Police and conservation enforcement agents in Kalalau Valley on Kaua'i last week arrested one man, issued citations to 14 others and hauled nearly 4,000 pounds of trash from 27 illegal campsites.

Kalalau is part of the state Department of Land and Natural Resources' Na Pali Coast State Wilderness Park. State wildlife officials have received repeated complaints about illegal camping, trash buildup and maintenance problems at the remote coastal valley.

A team of 10 state parks workers collected trash and used a helicopter to sling-load it out of the valley, according to a DLNR press release.

"This sweep was designed to ensure compliance with DLNR camping and access restrictions in this unique wilderness camping area. People have called us to say how happy they are that this cleanup effort has taken place and how it restores the beautiful natural scenery," state land board chairman Peter Young said.

Officers issued citations both for camping without a permit and for entry without a permit. "Persons entering the Na Pali Coast State Park for the day are reminded that they must have a valid day use permit for access to the area," DLNR enforcement chief Gary Moniz said.