Bonfires, driving on beaches prohibited in Hawaii | The Honolulu Advertiser

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Bonfires, driving on beaches prohibited in Hawaii | The Honolulu Advertiser | Hawaii's Newspaper

Updated at 3:03 p.m., Saturday, June 28, 2008

Bonfires, driving on beaches prohibited in Hawaii

The Department of Land and Natural Resources reminds the public that it is illegal to have bonfires or drive on Hawai'i's beaches.

"Not only can fire spread quickly from the sparks of a burning bonfire, but people can be seriously injured by hot embers left on the beach, even if they are covered with sand," Laura H. Thielen, DLNR chairwoman, said in a news release. "The debris left from a fire on the beach can also contribute to pollution entering our ocean."

DLNR reminds everyone of important requirements and safety tips:

Ground and open fires are prohibited on all state beaches and state recreational areas.

Open fires can escape and cause major fires in adjacent areas. Permits are not needed for beach cooking fires; however the fire must be contained as in a hibachi, camp stove, or fire pit provided for cooking.

Disposal of cooking fire coals must be done in proper containers. Do not discard hot coals near trees stumps or in undesignated areas — coals kill tree roots and tree trunks. Hot coals should never be dumped on the beach and covered with sand. Coals can retain an intense heat for up to 24 hours, and anyone who steps or falls on them can be severely burned.

Buried coals and nails from firewood can be even more dangerous since they are difficult to identify, easy to step on and easy to fall onto.

Bonfires and driving on the beach are both violations of state and county laws. Any person violating these laws is subject to both criminal and civil penalties, and may be required to pay restitution. In addition, camping gear, equipment and or vehicles could be subject to forfeiture.

"We need the kokua of the public to voluntarily comply with these necessary safety requirements, and to call DLNR-Enforcement if they see these illegal activities happening," said Gary Moniz, DLNR enforcement administrator.

To report a violation, please call 643-DLNR (3567).

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