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PAHOA, Hawaii >>The state Department of Land and Natural Resources has arrested two guides for allegedly illegally taking people on tours to see lava.
The department said Tuesday the guides entered forest reserves that were closed. They also allegedly engaged in illegal commercial activities on state-managed land.
The agency says an undercover operation led to Monday’s arrest of a 50-year-old man and a 23-year-old woman.
The two were charged with four misdemeanor offenses including conducting illegal commercial activities within a forest reserve and entering a closed area within a natural area reserve.
Department Chairman William Aila says the agency will prosecute trespassers who place officers and emergency personnel at increased risk.
Entering closed lands carries a $5,000 fine.
