What may be described as the last truly remote spot on the crowded gathering place of O'ahu is coming, as it should, under greater protection by the state.

Ka'ena Point Natural Area Reserve, 59 acres at the northwest tip of the island, is a prime nesting ground for the wedge-tailed shearwater and home to rare native plants.

Protecting this unique ecosystem is the job of the state Department of Land and Natural Resources, which owns and manages the land.

But that job has been a challenge when people drive vehicles off the trail and denude planted areas. Misbehavior also has included illegal camping and drunken partying that has led to fighting and mounds of trash littering the area.

Some improvement has been achieved through the state's Ecosystem Restoration Project, which aims to restrict entry to the point and block predators, enabling the flora and fauna to recover somewhat. But if the community is to continue to have access to Ka'ena Point, new rules are needed to guide how this natural treasure can be used.

The community will have its opportunity to weigh in next week (see box).

There is a call for allowing some limited camping around the point, and the state needs to carefully weigh how to balance competing interests.

Reasonable proposals already under review include enabling all-night fishing by issuing "wilderness camping" permits. This would allow fishing with overnight shelter, but would offer no restrooms and require that limited gear that's brought in must be brought out with the camper.

Another idea that deserves discussion is establishing a conventional camping site farther from the point. Camp Erdman staff is proposing to manage such a site under contract with the state. This would take some pressure off the more ecologically sensitive areas of the reserve.

The intent is to allow fishermen and cultural practitioners access to the shoreline while curbing activities that would damage the area. The land nearer the highways has become torn up and abused, through littering and all-terrain vehicles.

Allowing public use of this resource, while protecting it from abuse, is the goal. The state must do what is necessary to achieve it.