Remote Polihale State Park on the West Side of Kauai is a long-time favorite of ours, which has been suddenly closed until further notice. Why? DLNR Division of State Parks took this action after over 1,000 people camped there on a recent weekend when only 80 permits were issued. We don’t even see how 1,000 people got to and parked at the beach, with its narrow access road and limited parking. But it gets worse. Trucks raced on the beach and drove through dunes that contain Hawaiian burial sites and endangered plants. Social distancing was also not observed which could obviously lead to the spread of COVID.
There are many lessons to be learned and this had nothing to do with tourists behaving badly. This time it’s all on the people who live here. As DLNR State Parks Administrator Curt Cottrell said, “It’s almost “sport” in Hawaii to blame lots of things and issues on visitors to the state. We cannot attribute the recent spate of vandalism, theft, graffiti, and bad behavior on tourists – it is now us.”
Beat of Hawaii: This comes in interesting juxtaposition to the plethora of comments regarding visitor behavior on yesterday’s article and many previous ones.
With the loss of the visitor industry, DLNR is facing cuts to its services and is stretched thin.
“State Park income is flat – just like the hotel industry. As such, TAT collections and distributions have been suspended due to the COVID-19 and subsequent State fiscal crisis” said Cottrell. “Because of the size of Polihale and limited staffing now, it’s impossible to enforce rules.”
He went on, “During the coronavirus crisis, local residents have been the predominant users of state parks, flocking to park units and completely ignoring the rules and behaving in a manner visitors never did, jeopardizing their own safety and the resources and features we strive to care for.”
Long Term Plans Halted.
“Before COVID-19 hit, we had long-term plans for many improvements to parks across the state based on fee increases directed towards the visitor industry. This revenue is now uncertain. It’s disheartening to see the level of disrespect some people are demonstrating towards parks and facilities while we are struggling to save operating funds, Our state parks belong to all of us, as residents of Hawai‘i.”
Other Issues Seen by Cash-strapped, DLNR Division of State Parks:
- Vandalism/theft at Akaka Falls State Park, Big Island. The pump house was vandalized and photovoltaic panels among other things were stolen. Cost: $37,700.
- Illegal behavior at Kaena Point State Park, Oahu. “Wild West” mentality, largely at night and on weekends, with illegal drinking, littering, bonfires and burning of tires and significant illegal camping in a park with virtually no sanitary facilities.
- Aiea Bay State Park, Oahu. Virtually all park restroom fixtures and gates were destroyed by vandals. Cost: $25,000.
- Illegal beach access and camping at Kīiholo State Park Reserve and Kekaha Kai State Park, Big Island. Hawaiian Monk Seals and pups were endangered. New signage was damaged/destroyed soon after installation, and ongoing illegal vehicle access.
Island Fever and Life Disrupted.
While not an excuse, living on the island islands at this crazy time and not being able to go far, has taken a toll on residents. That in addition to lives disrupted with lack of employment caused by loss of visitors. It’s a reminder for all of us who live here to join together and protect our resources and wait this out for better times to come.
Polihale Beach photo © Beat of Hawaii. Lead photo depicting trouble at Hawaii’s beach parks (although not Polihale) credit Daniel Dennison (State of Hawaii), DLNR.
So very sad
I can see by the sheer volume of comments on this topic that it touches a nerve.
My question is more broadly based however – do Hawaiians read BOH ? Seems the comments come mainly from visitors with an affinity for Hawaii’s unique offerings.
Hopefully we’re not just commenting to the converted…. Thanks as always!
Hi Brad.
Our website is read both by mainland and Hawaii residents.
Aloha.
Beautiful Kauai, had been my home for 22 years, unfortunately no more. It is heart breaking to read this, and tears flowing for Hawaii. I went through Iniki, and we came back from it. This will also pass, and Hawaii will overcome, to find its soul again. Wishing you strength and endurance, and lots of aloha.
Aloha nui loa, ahui ho.
Hi Paula.
Thanks.
Aloha.
When I was on the big Island in late March everyone was screaming bloody murder that the governor had not imposed this lockdown yet. Including a moratorium on Incoming tourism. The majority of Hawaii got what they wanted, to shut down the economy come what may. So now we have (just the beginning) of the consequences following those decisions, Possibly with the example of the rioting on the mainland, The beginnings of apocalyptic conditions indigenous to a destroyed economy. How is this unexpected? Many of you will say, how can you choose money over loss of life? But are not our lives in the hands of God who sees all and knows us by name? Even the nimber of the hairs on our heads and the sparrows that fall?
How can anyone blame the lockdown for vandalism and the destruction of nature? There is no connection.
So very SAD to see the Disrespect that is being shown from the {LOCALS}.
This makes me very sad to hear. Our world and attitudes in this society sure have changed. I sure hope
all this virus stuff ends soon so we can come back and enjoy the beautiful land and culture.
Thank you for the info.
Hi Wendy.
Thanks.
Aloha.
I am so saddened to hear of such vandalism .
These are tough times and everyone needs to pull together and look out for your amazing islands/parks.
Thank you,
Hi Joey.
Thanks.
Aloha.
This is so tragic. Locals with total disregard of what surrounds them: beauty, history, nature. Makes me weep.
An old Kauai girl.
i agree, Janet.
You finally see the truth..its the locals who destroy everything..shut down all parks..and make the fines 10 times higher for vandalism..
Agree. I’ve lived on Maui a few years now. It definitely isn’t the tourists who save and spend thousands of dollars to be here who are throwing trash everywhere and leaving beat up cars across the island.
Couldn’t agree more. I live on Oahu and if there’s one thing this pandemic has highlighted about the locals, it’s that they’re the one destroying it, throwing trash everywhere, disrespecting the land. It’s a tragedy. I wish people could just do the right thing
Been to all of the islands and especially Kauai many times. Enough
time to understand and appreciate the culture and history.
Now feel like such an orientation should be mandatory for all visitors to these special places and people. Also, with this knowledge one can navigate the indigenous people with confidence and mutual respect.
Mahalo
Hi Charly.
Thanks.
Aloha.
I know that it happens, but our family has been travelling to Maui at least once a year for the past 26 years and we have never experienced any hostility or rudeness from the locals. I do see a few locals being rude and short in social media posts and trying to blame all the island problems on tourists, but obviously this beach issue had little or nothing to do with tourists. Regardless, it looks like people are getting restless and want a change. Can’t blame them – I feel the same way, although people do need to take care of the land and their family.
Thank you Beat of Hawaii for your insight on all issues!
Hi Michael.
Thanks.
Aloha.
Aloha! It’s just as bad in SoCal. Did you see the 4th of July fireworks in LA? No organized fireworks at all but the entire night sky was full of fireworks all the way around lol. If you look around here, other than masks, you could not tell we are in a pandemic. Maybe, the state needs to monitor social media meetups. I don’t know how anyone can mess with Polihale, that place is a whole vibe. As long as people feel entitled to something, I guess they’re gonna steal it. Definitely worrisome behavior but hey I’m ready to come back and spend some money, LET ME IN. Take care and thanks again for another great article BOH❤️
Hi Tammy.
Thank you for your three dozen comments!
Aloha.
Have been on island when there have been some attacks out at Polihale but have never seen that many cars or camping issues out there. Wow, time to get some control and teach the youth about taking care of that area.
Man is destroying the earth and it’s atmosphe and eventually the earth and it’s atmosphere will destroy man….
so sad indeed. The article is right, they can’t blame any of this on tourists. We were supposed to come to Kaui a couple of weeks ago and months ago I had been reading comments on here from people who live in Hawaii how they were happy tourists weren’t coming to disrespect and ruin their islands and they were enjoying the time without crowds…be careful what you wish for – no tourists, no money. And now the disrespect and destruction is coming not from tourists but the citizens of Hawaii. I truly hope this whole pandemic will be over soon and that the islands can once again welcome visitors and can recover.
Sad and disturbing. Why would anyone want to vandalize anything especially “paradise”.
Hello BOH, I submitted a comment here a day or two ago and I’ve been curious to see if there were any other comments following mine but I don’t see it posted here anywhere-please advise and thank you!
Hi Dave.
We don’t always work 7 days a week and are updating comments today.
Aloha.