A commitment by the state to crackdown on illegal camping along Kauai’s Na Pali Coast, seems to be paying off, but the Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) says more needs to be done.
It started increasing enforcement about 10 months ago, and so far this year, conservation officers cited 100 people for not having a permit.
It says the crackdown has also resulted in less rubbish saying at the beginning of the year crews were airlifting out as much as 20 large helicopter sling-loads of trash from Kalalau, but in the last few months, that’s down to two or three loads.
There are also fewer and less-elaborate long-term illegal camps, some with mattresses, even patio furniture, brought in by illegal operators and their customers.
One operator was arrested this year, plead no contest and was sentenced to community service.
DLNR’s Division of Conservation and Resources Enforcement (DOCARE) office says to make a bigger, long-term impact they’ll have to step up arrests.
They would also like to see increased penalties, increased arrest powers and new staff assigned to the Na Pali Coast who can communicate with DOCARE officers and maintain the trail and campground.
