Updated at 6:02 p.m., Friday, July 6, 2007
Ton of slate rocks illegally dumped in Makapuu
By Alyssa S. Navares
Advertiser Staff Writer
Kai'wi Park Caretaker Kevin Mashima said he suspects that a private construction company disposed of the rocks in the trail parking lot last night, before the park gates closed at 10:30 p.m.
The city requires all concrete and rock debris to be dropped off at a designated dump site in Nanakuli, he said.
The rocks are not preventing visitors from parking in the lot or hiking the trail. This is the first time debris has been dumped at the park.
"The park is convenient for dumping because there are no lights at night, so anyone can easily drive in," Mashima said. Unlike most state parks, Ka'iwi Park remains open after 7:45 p.m.
"We're trying to see if anyone from the public saw a dump truck last night," he said.
The state Department of Parks and Recreation will remove the rocks, if a contracting company is not identified within a few weeks. Mashima estimated the cost of hiring a dump truck company at more than $1,000.
Ka'iwi Park opened in April 2006 after the state constructed two parking lots — one near the ocean lookout and another at the start of the paved 2-mile walking trail that leads to the Makapu'u Lighthouse.
