In the first 11 months of the Kaena Point permit system, state conservation officers have issued 26 citations for illegal off-roading activities in the North Shore state park.

The state Department of Land an Natural Resources said 10 of the 26 citations went to drivers who did not have special-use permits to drive in the Kaena Point State Park Reserve.

Conservation officers also responded to 18 complaints and issued 24 warnings for violations including entering closed areas, driving off designated roadways, and alcohol and dog violations,” according to acting Division of Conservation and Resources Enforcement Chief Jason Redulla.

More than 3,000 people have received a permit at no charge from the DLNR Division of State Parks this year for driving access to a coastal portion of Kaena Point State Park Reserve-Mokuleia section on Oahu’s north shore.

The permit system was instituted as an attempt to curtail habitat damage caused, and accelerated, byoff-road vehicle use; to reduce soil erosion into the high quality near-shore waters frequented by anglers; and to stop other illegal and damaging activities.

The permits, valid 24-hours a day, 365-days a year (unless the park is closed for weather or emergency reasons), allow drivers to drive on designated roads behind the locked gate at the end of the paved road in the park.

The gate combination is only provided to valid permit holders and is changed weekly to control entry into the vehicle access control portion of the park.