Fed up with the ongoing off-road damage at Kaena Point, the state Department of Land and Natural Resources said Monday it will put up a locked gate and start a permit system for vehicles using the dirt roads in the Mokuleia section of the Kaena Point State Park Reserve.
Beginning Dec. 1, anyone who drives a car or truck beyond the reserve’s paved parking area will need a free permit to get in the locked gate. Permit holders will be provided with a lock combination, which will change weekly, and given a map showing which roads are accessible.
In 2011 the Board of Land and Natural Resources authorized a permit system at Kaena Point. But Land Board Chairman William Aila decided to try voluntary compliance first.
Signs were installed along the dirt roads showing where vehicles were allowed.
But that didn’t stop the abuse of the remote and rugged coastline, including the trampling of vegetation and erosion of soil.
"Folks drive off-road, trashing the area," said Dan Quinn, state parks administrator. "Some of it is just ignorance. They don’t realize what they’re doing."
The state and other groups have been trying to restore the coastal habitat near Kaena Point. A Kamehameha Schools class, for example, has been visiting there for years planting native plants, some of which are endangered.
A recent Kamehameha planting was near the shore behind a windbreak, but it was destroyed by a campfire that was started in the middle of it.
"It’s really disappointing people don’t have more awareness about the environment, about what kinds of efforts we’re trying to do to improve things, and they just have a lack of understanding and appreciation for the natural resources out here," said Marigold Zoll, Oahu Natural Area Reserves manager.
Zoll said officials hope to turn Kaena Point into "a world-class state park."
Quinn described the new permitting system as a management tool that will help DLNR officers enforce the rules. In the future, if anyone violates the rules, he said, the permit may be revoked and additional penalties imposed.
Permit holders will be given a decal for their bumper. Permits are valid 24 hours a day, unless DLNR deems the area to be unsafe or declares an emergency.
Accessible roads initially will be lined with brightly colored markers.
"This system will increase accountability for behavior at Kaena Point and will make rules of where to drive clearer," Aila said. "Permits do not restrict pedestrian access, so it does not infringe on Native Hawaiian gathering rights."
Permitting does not apply to visitors who hike or bike on the dirt road beyond the locked gate, he said.
Three informational meetings will be held this week to explain the new process and issue permits to interested drivers:
» 6 to 9 p.m. Thursday at the Kalanimoku Building (DLNR Boardroom), 1151 Punchbowl St., Honolulu (free parking in the underground garage)
» 9 a.m. to noon Saturday at Waialua Elementary School cafeteria, 67-020 Waialua Beach Road, Waialua
» 5:30 to 9 p.m. Saturday at Mililani High School cafeteria, 95-1200 Meheula Parkway, Mililani
After these meetings, people can apply for the permits at the state parks office during normal working hours. Permits might take up to five working days to be issued.
