Posted on: Saturday, September 4, 2004
Officers targeting illegal camping
By Vicki Viotti
Advertiser Staff Writer
Beachgoers enjoying the Labor Day weekend can expect to see more state enforcement officers cracking down on illegal camping, especially on O'ahu's northwest shoreline.
The fine for illegal camping on state lands is a maximum of $500 per day, plus damages. Driving motorized vehicles on the beach is punishable by a fine up to $500 plus damages if the state land is undeveloped. At state parks, the maximum fine rises to $1,000, plus up to 30 days in jail. Fishing is allowed in these areas, but camping is not, Moniz said.
"People are lighting large bonfires on the beaches, leaving trash and driving on the beach — which is extremely dangerous if you're lying on the sand — and hurting the nesting turtles there," he said.
Fishermen are being told to dismantle tarps, to discourage overnight camping.
Because there are no bathrooms on state lands between the Dillingham Airfield at Mokule'ia and around Ka'ena Point to Makua and Keawa'ula, campers improvise toilets, Moniz said, which leads to complaints about litter.
"We're asking people to be more responsible," he said. "Fishermen are not being targeted; we're just trying to keep the place safe and sanitary."
Reach Vicki Viotti at vviotti@honoluluadvertiser.com or 525-8053.
The state Department of Land and Natural Resources has received complaints about growing numbers of illegal campers between Makua and Mokule'ia, and has been evicting them in recent weeks after posting warnings June 11, said Gary Moniz, the department's chief of enforcement.
Fines possible
