Hawaii legislators call for more security at Kaena Point
ASSOCIATED PRESS
Visitors walk along the coastline at Kaena Point.
State lawmakers are considering heightened security at Kaena Point on Oahu following the deaths of at least three Laysan albatross and the destruction of several of the birds’ nests at the nature reserve.
Two bills have been introduced in both the House and Senate that would require park visitors to pay entry fees to support additional security and educational staff at Kaena Point. Visitors would also be required to sign in upon entry, Hawaii News Now reported.
“This measure provides funds to help protect Kaena Point. It provides law enforcement to have more of a presence out there with more and better equipment,” said Democratic Sen. Will Espero of Ewa Beach.
There had been about 75 active albatross nests at the reserve before the vandalism occurred. State officials visited the site in December and found the bodies of three adult birds and determined that 15 nests had eggs that were smashed or missing.
“We had evidence that several of the birds had their feet cut off,” said Thomas Friel, chief of the department’s Division of Conservation and Resources Enforcement, in December. “It was in such a way that we believe it not to be predation from a wild animal, but rather from humans.”
The vandals also allegedly took cameras and sound equipment that was used to monitor the birds.
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No arrests have been made, but state and federal authorities have interviewed several people who were allegedly at the park when the birds were killed.
The Senate Water, Land and Agriculture Committee is set to hold a hearing on its version of the bill Monday. The House will likely hear the measure later this session.
21 responses to “Hawaii legislators call for more security at Kaena Point”
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What I would like to know, is the real reason Farrington Highway does not go around Kaena Point, connecting the North Shore with Makaha. I don’t believe that the Satellite Tracking Station would be adversely affected. What’s in those hills?
Some of the residents with big mouths don’t support a road around the point – they don’t want the traffic it would bring. Keep the country country and backwards as well.
NIMBY!!!
I wonder why security was not increased years ago. This area has had trouble with atrocities against wildlife for many years.
If you would like to know, why not go find out instead of wasting your time posting…
If you ever went there you’d see where the road is washed out in 2 places on the Wai’anae side. It would take a MAJOR excavation involving cutting back half the mountain to re-establish the road in that area alone. Not likely to happen in this financially strapped state.
“What’s in those hills?” A nature preserve.
Hire the military or local special forces. They can use the practice. Don’t need to arrest them and waste time and money. Let them punish them in such ways they will never do these bad things again.
Hire MORE armed DLNR “cops” or more armed private security!!!
I suggest they improve the area with a Paved Highway….. Like Saddle Road/Mauna Kea. Have Chainlink fencing installed on both sides of the highway w/cameras and NO Trespassing signs. This solves the problem of protecting a specific endangered specie .Also,Makes it easier for law enforcement officers to patrol.
Oh yeah, this is going to happen….right after they finish the rail project. BTW: who would PAY for the grand project you propose?
Outlaw anyone from Punahou in the area.
You missed the part of the story where it said no one has been arrested….Punahou or not.
Punahou? Arrests? Not likely.
What? Dey wen beat Farrington again?
How many of the respondents to this article have ever walked around Kaena Point? Take a guess. It’s beautiful and should be protected.
Thanks for your post, pleasant, calm and collected! Let’s hope the renegades causing all the distruptions at Kaena Point will be severely punished for their evil deeds, and some of the saner suggestions from the Posters on this page help keep the area secure.
I’ve been there. It’s nothing special compared to other parts of the island. Just a waste of money!
Happy Cranky Old Mans Day!
Harrump, harrumph!
Perfect excuse to approve assault weapons for DNLR —
NOT!!