State workers remove ‘love locks’ fastened onto fences, railings

To some couples, attaching engraved padlocks to fences at popular scenic lookouts symbolizes their unbreakable bond.

But the sentimental gesture, if multiplied hundreds of times, creates an eyesore, state parks officials say. And the so-called “love locks” can also weigh down and break a fence, posing a safety hazard.

In Hawaii the locks have become a problem at a number of lookouts, notably Makapuu and at Waimea Canyon State Park on Kauai.

Officials say the clutter of love locks affixed to fences tarnishes the natural beauty of the island, ruining the visitor experience for others.

Sue Kanoho, executive director of the Kauai Visitors Bureau, said the bureau became aware of numerous locks fastened to the metal fence at the Waimea Canyon lookout through photos posted on Instagram. Some residents also notified her.

The state parks staff removed 94 locks Oct. 16.

“People must respect the natural and cultural aspect of Hawaii’s special places and not add unsightly, damage-causing features such as locks,” State Parks Division Administrator Curt Cottrell said in an emailed statement.

In Hawaii, affixing padlocks to fences at state parks is a littering violation, punishable by a $100 fine, or $500 for repeat violators.

The locks also pose a safety hazard because they weigh down fences and railings.

The craze surged following the 2006 release of a book and later a film called “I Want You,” by Federico Moccia.

Couples either write or have their names engraved on locks before attaching them to fences. The practice became so popular that locks overwhelmed the Pont des Arts bridge in Paris, causing a 6-foot stretch of the bridge fence to fall last year.

All the locks were subsequently removed from the fence because of the hazard and to prevent long-term damage to the historic site.

The trend eventually reached Hawaii, where, in 2014 nearly 1,000 locks were latched to the old metal lattice-type fence at the highest lookout of the Makapuu Point Lighthouse Trail. The state and volunteers removed them that September.

Signs were posted notifying the public that locks would be removed regularly.

Since then, officials say, the practice at Makapuu has significantly dropped off, largely due to public awareness and a $2.7 million improvement project: New railings at the lookout can’t accommodate locks.

On Kauai, Kanoho has posted messages on social media requesting the public not to latch locks at lookout fences. She also plans to reach out to tour guides, travel websites and guidebook authors to get word out to the public

She said the bureau wants to nip the unwelcome trend in the bud before it gets widely established.

Michael Loftin, executive director of 808 Cleanups, a nonprofit that targets graffiti and marine debris, said state parks staff members have been vigilant in removing locks.

The volunteer group assists the state with lock removals and monitoring lookouts. The collaboration has been effective, he said, with no locks in sight on a recent hike to the Makapuu Lookout.

Locks also have appeared at the Halona Blowhole, where volunteers removed four in the past month.

Loftin uses social media to spread the word about how locks cause significant damage to fences. In Hawaii the locks look nice for about a week — until the salt air causes them to rust and deteriorate, he said.

“I’m sure people would want their love to last longer than a week,” he remarked.