Posted on: Sunday, February 27, 2005
EDITORIAL
A positive measure to protect our trails
A $2,500 fine should get their attention.
Advertiser file photo Magnum had received citations before, but it apparently regarded those $50 and $100 fines merely as part of the cost of doing business.
We hope this larger penalty will deter Magnum as well as others from illegally using our hiking trails.
Trails are public treasures that can be destroyed by overuse. Unpermitted tour operators often dump large groups of tourists at trailheads and await their return. And the throngs of illegal hikers make the experience unpleasant for others who play by the rules.
The state Department of Land and Natural Resources quite properly has taken measures to limit the size and frequency of groups of hikers. On popular Manoa Trail, there's a maximum of five 12-person groups a day, weekends and holidays excluded.
Because the number of permits for tour operators is limited, the DLNR should take measures to ensure that the companies that receive them meet some minimum standards of decorum, expertise and responsibility in being allowed to profit from these public resources.
An angry Board of Land and Natural Resources Friday voted to impose that fine on Magnum Tickets and Tours. The board was told that Magnum is the most persistent violator of state rules that require permits to conduct guided tours of trails such as the one leading to Manoa Falls.
Manoa Falls is a popular destination for hikers — and sometimes too popular.
