Visits to Oahu islets a concern

City and state officials remind residents and visitors heading to Windward Oahu beaches during the Memorial Day weekend to be mindful of the rules designed to protect wildlife on offshore islets that are designated as sanctuaries.

The state Department of Land and Natural Resources and city Ocean Safety and Lifeguard Services Division said at a joint news conference at the Kailua Beach boat ramp Friday that officials are particularly concerned about the Mokulua Islands off Lanikai Beach. The islets serve as a refuge for native birds, notably wedge-tailed shearwaters that nest in fragile burrows.

To protect the native species, alcohol, dogs, camping and fires are prohibited in the Mokulua islets. Violators could face penalties of up to a $500 fine or up to a year in jail, according to Wes Mundy, District 4 supervisor of the Division of Conservation and Resources Enforcement.

An increased number of conservation enforcement officers is expected to patrol the area during the holiday weekend.

At Friday’s news conference, Jason Misaki, wildlife manager of the Division of Forestry and Wildlife said urbanization has resulted in scarce nesting grounds for native birds. "Development has taken away a lot of habitats birds have left."

Fewer than half of the islets off Oahu are open to the public. Misaki pointed out that only areas below the high water mark can be accessed.

Manana, also known as Rabbit Island, is among the islets where landing or walking is prohibited.

Ocean safety officials also stressed that beachgoers should know their limits in the water. Spokeswoman Shayne Enright of the city Ocean Safety Division said, "Don’t take the risk."

Those who plan to head to the offshore islets are advised to first talk to lifeguards to get information on ocean conditions.

J.R. Sloane of the Ocean Safety Division noted how inexperienced kayakers or stand-up paddleboarders could run into trouble because they do not realize how currents and wind conditions could quickly change.

Sloane also said some might not have the endurance to return to the shoreline from the Mokulua Islands, located three-quarters of a mile from Lanikai Beach, because they have expended too much energy to reach the islets.

Cliff jumping is also a concern. Lifeguards have rescued dozens of people so far this year who have suffered injuries after they either jumped or fell from the rocky cliffs into the ocean or onto the rocks of the islets.

"Please do not jump off the cliffs," said Enright. "We don’t want you to end up in the ER."

Last year, lifeguards conducted more than 40 rescues on or around the Mokulua Islands, officials said. Of that figure, half were transported to the emergency room. Lacerations, fractured bones and back injuries are the types of the injuries that have occurred at the islets.