Starting as early as Labor Day, an alcohol ban could apply to the Ahu o Laka sandbar area in Kaneohe Bay.
State boating officials have recommended imposing the no-alcohol rule at the sandbar on the Memorial Day and Labor Day weekends and the Fourth of July.
The state Board of Land and Natural Resources is scheduled to meet Friday to consider the recommendation.
The meeting starts at 9 a.m. at the Land Board conference room at 1151 Punchbowl St.
Fights<$o($)> fueled by alcohol have occurred at the sandbar and spilled over to the Heeia Kea Small Boat Harbor, including one that led to the fatal assault of a Kaneohe man in June 2011, residents say.
Kaneohe boater Andy Bustamante said he supported the proposed alcohol ban on the holidays.
"That’s when all the problems happen," he said.
Bustamante said the ban will prevent young people from the other side of the island from converging on the sandbar on holidays and "partying hard."
The no-alcohol restriction was installed via emergency rule in 2011 during the Fourth of July, Admission Day and Labor Day weekends in an attempt to curb rowdy behavior and create a family atmosphere at the Kaneohe sandbar, state officials said.
Edward R. Underwood, administrator for the state Division of Boating and Recreation, said the proposed new rule comes after reviewing testimonies at a public hearing and looking at the effect of the temporary no-alcohol rule last year.
Officials said the three holidays were selected for the alcohol ban at the sandbar because they are the holidays with the largest crowds and the most problems.
Underwood said when there was a presence of state enforcement agents and a prohibition on alcohol, the atmosphere of the sandbar "really calmed down."
"It became more of a family-friendly area," he said.
"People went out and enjoyed the sandbar again."
A public hearing was held June 28 at Heeia Kea State Park, where state officials received testimony from 17 people.
Officials said they also received 14 testimonies delivered by email, by hand or mail.
State officials said comments varied and included the general consensus that the current rules are adequate and that a ban would penalize responsible people.
