108 thoughts on “Polihale Beach Closed Indefinitely and More Troubles Abound”
Doreen D.
This news is heart breaking. We love Hawaii. It’s magical. I completely understand how you’d get to the point of enough already! But to destroy your beautiful state. There is no room for any type of vandalism anywhere! COVID is being blamed for everything. We are so sad we had to cancel our vacation to Hawaii this year. However, we will always return. Sometimes it’s hard to see what is right in front of you. Hard to see how blessed you are. We truly feel blessed every time we land on your beautiful soil. Can’t wait to visit again soon.
Sherryl R
Hawaii is going to have to accept that they must open. Even your residents are restless. I don’t understand the worry of CoVid any longer. Persons exposed are to quarantine for 14 days. New information says only three days if fever.
You have been closed to visitors longer than quarantine. Those on the Island have been there more than 14 days, they live there and you cannot ignore that people socialize even with your strict rules.
Open up your eyes to logic and let people live their life happy instead of in fear.
Bob A.
I could not agree with you more! We must be cautious with testing, mask wearing, etc while we wait for a vaccine but when you take away a person’s income potential and thus their hope, the result is lawlessness and violence. Tourists may not be perfect but we bring the money which provides the income. Maybe I am blind, but I have only seen tourists who appreciate and love the land and the people. Be careful but open the state!
Susan D
What you don’t understand is people coming in from other states and places may bring it in. Some states are hot spots for COVID-19 and you can’t turn some people away and let some in. They are being cautious as they should be.
Anne
Before we visited Kauai a few years ago, a friend who’d been stationed at Pearl Harbor gave us a warning: He said his military roommate was from Kauai. Our friend, Mike, wanted his roommate to take him to Kauai to visit. The roommate said Mike would not be welcome there. He said he was ok with Mike, but people on Kauai wouldn’t be. He said visitors aren’t welcome there.
I read that people of Kauai were upset because visitors used to travel only on tour buses, and only go to certain area, but now everyone got rental cars and drove all over the island. When I travel, I want to explore the area. I don’t want to be limited to the south side. Just because one was fortunate enough to be born on Kauai’s North Shore does not mean that person is entitled to exclusive access to its beauty and its state/national parks. There were many angry comments directed toward visitors as the state planned how to reopen Haena and Ke’e. It seemed that people wanted tourism dollars to help rebuild the road to Ke’e, but they didn’t want us to be allowed to go there.
Crystal C
We have been lucky enough to visit the beautiful garden island many times. We even had a small destination wedding on the Southside. No one we have ever come in contact with has been anything besides warm & gracious. We have stayed in poipu, kapaa & Primceville. This is my favorite island and always will be. I look forward to our next trip (we went on Jan & Feb 2020)
Mike M
You folks have to preserve the beauty of Hawai’i. It isnt just mainlanders to blame!
Richard C
I’ve been preaching this since the start of covid you can only keep young adults locked down for so long. Once the under 40’s figured out that the virus isn’t going to kill them they made the decision to not adhere to social distancing or mask wearing. Over the weekend my daughter visited Pismo Beach in California. Said it was packed and there was no social distancing and little mask wearing. This is happening all over the country. This is the leading edge of social unrest on the islands and it’s going to get worse.
Crystal C
I am in Orange co & know if atleast 4 young people 20ish who have it plus the host that had a graduation party. I have been thrilled Hawaii has been able to set standards and not have the number of cases we do. It is not over but many want to live as if it is. I hope the people of HWaii stay safe & healthy.
bill S
Does anyone have the figures about how many people on each island are from Hawaiian ancestry, as opposed to all those living there that moved to the islands?
Mahalo
Bill
Great reason for all of us to participate and complete the census forms.
Bill s
Mahalo for your response.
I knew the number of Hawaiians would be small, but I was stunned that the census only reflects a little over 10%.
That is a truly amazing statistic.
Aloha
Beat of Hawaii
Hi Bill.
Thanks for asking.
Aloha.
Maxine
Wow.
FYI. I just received notice that my October flight has been cancelled.
Mat C
Seems like the locals are on the same track as the Native Americans
PAM M
WOW!!
Great job Hawai’ian residents.
At least tourists weren’t there to take the blame.
Shame on anyone that participated in the vandalism.
Lock them up!!
Sean P.
It does not take many votes to get elected as a mayor in these Cities and Counties in Hawaii, California, Washington and Oregon. Once elected they have too much influence. They tie the hands of law enforcement who keep down the criminal activities. They release numerous dangerous inmates early. They impose liberal policies which allow homeless, drug users and criminals to destroy things for everyone. It takes leadership and NOT liberalism to keep Hawaii beautiful. Meanwhile open the economy up so you can afford to clean up after these people. Thanks and Please vote!
Charlotte L
Aloha, I agree with everything you have posted with one exception, those individuals who destroyed any property need to be the individuals who clean it up/replace it. It’s called ‘Tough Love’…if an individual is allowed to be disrespectful, destroy property,rape, murder, etc with no consequences, it only escalates. We are all brothers and sisters on this planet. I hate living in Calif b/c it is too liberal. I am a retired nurse who wants to live in Hawaii and volunteer to help where I might be of assistance but from what I have read, I do not feel I will be welcome. CJ
Clarence E
Whenever we returned to Kauai (vacation) we always tried to visit
Polihale Park. It was always peaceful and tranquil! A beautiful place! Please respect and preserve it!
Hope L
We returned to Hawaii last summer after being away for about 15 years. We were so disappointed with the locals (and now permanent vagrants) and how they have destroyed so many beautiful spots in Hawaii. The islands have changed and it is not for the better, the Hawaiian government has abandoned all respect for the Islands in favor of allowing homelessness and drug use ravage a once beautiful place. We will not be returning any time soon. At least they can no longer blame the tourists for what is self made destruction.
Ron E.
I appreciate your update about Polihale. I’ve visited Kauai nine times since 1986. In 1990, my friend Hunter took me surfing to the west side and Polihale. We packed the cooler with ice, beverages, vegetables for fresh salsa, and shrimp to barbecue. I remember the Hawaiian feel of the verdant hills, cane fields, remote beach with clear water, and view of Niihau! No one was around in November. He said, “Watch out for sharks! If you see me paddling in – get out!” I’ll always remember how special Polihale was! Aloha!
Beat of Hawaii
Hi Ron.
Thanks.
Aloha.
Gerry A.
We have reservations to arrive in Kauai on September 15, planning to stay for 10 days. Can someone please comment on the likelihood of the island being open for visitors? The news about what is happening in Kauai, with vandalism, etc., saddens me deeply!
Thank you!
Beat of Hawaii
Hi Gerry.
We don’t know at this point but should know more no later than August 15.
Aloha.
Kevin
BEAT OF HAWAII RESPONSE TEAM. Please proofread and spell check the response before posting it.
Wow! Responding with a comment that is grammatically incorrect and presented with no punctuation as well as incorrectly spelled is so unprofessional.
Jon D
Gerry we have a trip scheduled for a month later and I think that unfortunately there is almost no chance there is almost no chance we will be able to go. Listen to Lt Gov Green’s Facebook interview from /28 with the Honolulu Star-Advertiser. I have become a fan of his through this but his comments about opening up travel to Japan because they are “respectful” tourists vs. mainlanders that come on “cheap” flights to be at best elitist, in extremely poor taste and very generalized. It appears the distaste for us extends to the LG’s office. I would love to hear him respond to these unfortunate events in Polihale and try to defend the locals. I am curious what BOH thinks?
Mahalo
Beat of Hawaii
Hi Jon.
If you’re asking about our thoughts on travel bubbles, we don’t think they will work at multiple levels. First, you really can’t know what Japan’s health situation is, or Australia’s. A news search will show you that both have a resurgence issue. In addition, the impression a travel bubble gives, which we alluded to as a PR nightmare, is something that Hawaii can ill-afford. Unfortunately, there is literally no one at the helm in terms of marketing here in Hawaii, so that voice may well be getting lost. Moreover, there are no easy answers. The return of travel should be met with on-arrival testing, as we’ve mentioned many times before. Hawaii totally missed that necessary component and instead put all of their reliance on some never revealed agreement with CVS for pre-travel testing.
Aloha.
Sarah
I advice you to cancel your trip. We had reservations to arrive on Sept 17th. I cancelled those plans. I’m pretty sure that when it gets close to August 31, Hawaii will extend the quarantine through Sept 30th. So ridiculous.
Tammy W
I’m going October 28th to Big Island and Maui and I feel for you. It’s been driving me bonkers on what to do and I’m in this for over $4,000 with only 50% back if I cancel. It’s madness. I hope we get to go and enjoy ourselves without worry. Take care 🤙🏽
Steve C
We were to arrive on Sept 19 but Hawaii officials knew ahead of time it was impossible for 99.9% of us to get a Covid test and results in 72 hours.They made the policy anyway so they could say the Haoles werent willing to comply. We cancelled and are planning to reschedule for May 2021. We are fairly sure we wont be welcome then either but we have to try.
Gerry C
Aloha. No identifiable state leadership and no law enforcement. When the tourists are away, the “locals” trash paradise. Perfect.
Mike
This comes under the heading of “be careful what you ask for”! Sure it’s nice when the tourists aren’t allowed to travel to Hawaii, but despite some of the negative effects, they provide financial resources and a balance to the islands. As usual, drastic changes, like keeping tourists away, rarely result in a completely positive outcome. There’s always give and take.
Enjoy your islands Hawaiians. I’m headed elsewhere.
Bob L
Perfectly said @Mike! Visitors to Hawaii are like Rodney Dangerfield….never any respect for what they bring!
Mike K
I agree. It will be years before I visit Hawaii again
Terry R
Having visited Kauai regularly for the last 10 years it is finally good to have validation that it is not always the tourists that are disrespectful. Having witnessed many burned out or abandoned cars left all over the island as well as garbage, old tires etc you know that this is not being done by tourists. Its easy to blame the tourists but give your head a shake and assign the blame where it belongs. If the tourists are not going to be made welcome they will not come and then Kauai as well as all the other islands will be in a world of hurt. Clean up your own household before you go criticizing others! As tourism is slowly reopening there are many other vacation destinations that are doing everything they can by offering attractive incentives to attract visitors to their locales. Hawaii should be worried!
JC
I’ve often wondered why there are abandoned cars, trucks, and tires strewn about as a visitor, which clearly is not a result of visitors. Thank you for this post, because lately it seems there are many who complain about visitors, but this is clearly not from visitors. Sad to read about though. Hope people stay healthy there, and safe.
Caroline y
I 100% agree with you. I’ve been visiting Maui almost every year going on 10 years now we always get treated badly by the locals but we still continue to go. After everything going on and all the things locals are saying about tourist I only imagine it will get worse. I don’t know that I will go back. I rather spend my hard earned money where I’m welcomed. I recently visited Florida where they had great deals to bring tourist back and everyone was so nice and welcoming.
Nikki M
I am kind of at that point with Hawaii too…i love seeing the whales in Maui, but i honestly dont know if i cant to continue spending that kind of money in a place that really doesn’t want me. NO”aloha” there
Sheryl B
Terry R…..AMEN to everything you just said. This past February we noticed lots of abandoned cars on the Big Island. We have been coming for over 30 years, but it is looking more and more like we may be forced to change our plans this year. It is sad. Visitors want to come to the beautiful islands but we certainly don’t want to come if we are not welcome, and some of the comments and this kind of behavior from the locals makes me wonder if it is still safe for us to come or if they will take their anger and aggressions out on the tourists, who are easy to spot in our rental cars.
B Warren
Sad but this behavior is not isolated to Hawaii. We escaped California where the liberal government has allowed behavior like this all over the state. San Francisco was a great city not too long ago. Now it’s the laughing stock of the country. We are seeing major cities mayors allowing this kind of activity all over on the mainland. Maybe the solution is to change leadership throughout the country. It’s not too hard to figure out the solution…
I love Hawaii and I hope we can all take better care of the islands so we can all enjoy paradise. Most of the people I know in Hawaii are the best people on earth. Thanks to the Beat of Hawaii for keeping us all informed on what’s happening in Hawaii. I look forward to getting back!
Deb C
@ B. Warren, yes we left CA too- was born and raised there but NOT the same. Liberal governments have destroyed these once beautiful, thriving places and have let the inmates run the asylum so to speak – no law and order. I wonder if that’s part of their plan -keep people poor and down and dependent on government to bail them out so they can keep getting votes. Instead they need to elect leaders that will raise them up to be successful on their own by giving them the tools and opportunities to do so. I’m from a blue collar family – worked hard for everything we have – no handouts.
Maxine
Mahalo for the link to the Census.
Wow.
FYI. I just received notice that my October flight has been cancelled by the airline.
All of these comments are heartwrenching. Even if someone steps forward to try and run for Office they are met with “peaceful” protesters.
Who is willing to put their themselves and their family threw that for a “mail in” fraud election?
Dave S.
Sad to read this as we have visited many of the sites mentioned…especially Polihale. Looking forward to the day when we can return.
Matt D
Brace yourselves, because it’ll get worse before it gets better. Wait until a few hundred thousand Hawaiians don’t get their extra $600/week, all while Incompetent Ige & Friends fumble your visitor “re-opening”. Feel so sorry for all the good Hawaiians that must feel so helpless. For most of us, we can’t help the virus cure, but we can vote. Elections have consequences!!!
SoCal Matt
Karin W
👏🏻
Sarah
Amen!
Dawn Q
I think they should be ostracized and given a one way ticket off the island. Make way for others who will respect, appreciate and care for their surroundings. It’s so sad to see such a beautiful place being destroyed.
Julie H
I seriously doubt that visitors have ever been party to vandalism, theft, and graffiti. Most visitors are happy to be there enjoying the beauty and nature of Kauai. What is sad is that some of the locals have become so hateful and for what reason? No idea what they hope to gain by trashing the visitors and the island that is their home. Our personal experience with local bias earlier this year during the early days of the pandemic was eye opening and disturbing. Now hard to blame the rest of the world when the rest of the world is not there. A shame for all the lovely people I know and love on Kauai.
Bill v
So much for caring for the aina, I wonder how many vandals were flying an upside down Hawaiian State flag on their cars and trucks while they desecrated the sacred land.
Sue S
This is the saddest thing I’ve read in a long time. Especially disrespecting burial grounds.
Time for these vandals to remember:
The life of the land is perpetuated in righteousness.
Wade S.
It’s not just Hawaii or Kauai. State parks EVERYWHERE are being vandalized and mistreated by larger than normal crowds of people while resources to maintain these parks are decimated by COVID. Because of COVID, people can’t or don’t want to take vacations far away, so they go to closer to home, possibly to areas they haven’t been before. This behavior started back in March other places, I think the only surprise is that it took until July for the problem to become severe in Hawaii.
Here’s an article from MARCH detailing the problem, and a quick news search brings up many more articles on similar topics.
I think people who visit Polihale and other national parks and outdoor areas regularly treat them with respect. It seems that some large fraction of locals EVERYWHERE who are visiting these places for the first time are not treating them with respect. COVID is hard for everyone, but I would hope people learn better behavior and treat our beaches/parks/outdoors with respect.
Wade
1
PamM
Well we’ll now locals. What’s your excuse for the problems on the islands?
What? Can’t blame tourists now? How bout you look in the mirror and have a chat with that person.
Grow up, take responsibility and behave yourself.
The islands should ALWAYS BE RESPECTED.
Always.
Mahalo Beat of Hawai’i 🌺
Beat of Hawaii
Hi Pam.
Thanks for all your comments.
Aloha.
KawikaS
I bet the ones who drove on and messed up the lands probably didn’t protest at the Moauna for the TMT. If they did they’re hypocrites.
Paula J.
I am heartbroken to read about the many recent incidents of theft and vandalism. I realize people may be angry and/or bored but it’s hard to believe they would want to destroy the beauty of Hawaii and its public services. I am even more saddened to see the Covid counts all over the U.S. continuing to rise, ultimately keeping those us living in the U.S., whose souls long to return to Hawaii from doing so. Your recent report about Hawaii opening up to Japan is sad as well. I understand completely the deep rooted Japanese culture and heritage that is a part of Hawaii, I just have a great love and concern for the preservation of the beautiful Polynesian culture that was/is truly Hawaiian.
Grant
So much for the “protectors”. Seems somebody’s ancestors are most likely buried nearby…most not be politically expedient to respect the aina in this area.
Jan
So sad to read this. Everyone must be feeling lost. Hopefully they will ‘find’ again the appreciation of living in paradise. In the meantime while so many are out of work and their normal routines interrupted, the county could ask for more volunteers for trash pick up, trail clearing, etc. so people can come together for the greater good.
D Brown
It wasn’t me!
Cheryl J
I always say that when I hear sirens, thought that was funny, thank you for the smile…….
I know it has nothing to do with the disrespectful behavior and I do understand about Island Fever!
RH
The irony is just too great. All the “locals” complaining of poor behavior and blaming it all on the tourists and telling visitors to stay out. Well, what are you going to say about this now? Maybe it’s been a “local” problem all along. I am sure there have been plenty of idiot tourists, but to blame all of us as a whole? Really?
Patty Jo
Exactly. Well said. And, after all of the moaning and groaning from the State of Hawaii about visitors potentially spreading Covid, the locals do this. Wow… A thousand people? Seriously, wow.
Evelyn T
Our family visits Polihale regularly and we are very sad and very angry that one of the most prized beaches on Kauai has been so mistreated, especially by locals, who are supposed to take pride in their Hawaiian heritage and conservation of ancient land. They have ruined a peaceful gathering place by not having PONO. How many YEARS will it be before we can enjoy Polihale again thanks to the horrible actions of so many in just a few short weeks?
Kevin C
Move [edited] off Kauai. Problem solved. Enough with this behavior.
Bonnie M
How sad to read this. Unfortunately no discussion of homeless who came and never left the islands? Also no mention of rabid drug use and alcoholism which is a key factor in the discussion that should be had. Illegal drugs, drug users and sales are all over the place in Oahu making it unsafe and unsanitary for the locals and visitors alike. Same can be said for the other islands. Sadly the same thing is happening in Southern California. A quick stop to a beach side restroom in Carlsbad next door to a gorgeous Church and my husband walked in on 2 guys puking and shooting up out in the open. I don’t think it is all the citizen’s who behave this way with zero respect. Hawaii like San Diego & California needs to have a huge “intervention” and get the users the help they people desperately need.
jackie e
Totally agree with you as far as California or anywhere. even in small little rural towns its happening. And yes addicts ,homeless etc do need help.
Bonnie M
Oh they do help them here in California. But not the way they should. They actually housed them during covid in hotels and brought them drugs, needles and alcohol so they didn’t have to go out and possibly catch covid. How insane is that? They need a doctors care and detox and help to make a commitment to live a sober life.
Jim R.
Bonnie, time to reopen the mental institutions and convert several of them to drug rehabilitation centers, eh? California is becoming a cesspool of homless, addicted mentally disturbed people, and the State Capitol is getting just as bad. Can’t go anywhere without seeing tents at cloverleaf entrances to freeways, or someone sleeping on a sidewalk, who hasn’t bathed in weeks, if not months…
Linda T
It just doesn’t get any sadder. We hope that Hawaii can recover and heal. We’ll give it time to recover and hope for the best and plan for a visit about a year after the vaccine is administered. Long way to go, but that includes everywhere else in the world too.
Chris W
Hi Rob,
Is it possible the lead photo is not Polihale?
Bob L.
I thought the same thing when I saw that picture. It looks like a wide, paved road, which is certainly not the case with Lower Saki Mana Road. Rob, Jeff, please clarify.
Beat of Hawaii
Hi Bob.
You’re correct. As stated in the article, that photo, provided us by DLNR, was of one of the other beaches mentioned.
Aloha.
Brad K
This is a disturbing development and it sounds like no tourists are around to falsely lay blame. Tourists generally cannot rent pick up trucks with lift kits, terrain destroying fat tires, and other off road, after market tweaks.
Hawaii has so much positive energy that there may be a solution to this. Since many on the islands know each other, minimal enforcement budgets could be supplemented by a neighborhood watch concept, except applied to the beaches that are the site of issues. It’s impossible to do as an individual but easier as a group to take charge of encouraging respect. After all, if it’s localized you may likely know the people who are part of the problem.
Closing beaches is meaningless without enforcement of some kind. Respect for mother nature and the finite gifts bestowed upon Hawaii making it such a desirable destination is a great example of how mother nature gives back, and gives so much.
I would encourage Hawaiians to consider how they would feel if tourists behaved this way and band together to fund solutions that go beyond state park ranger patrol budgets which are obviously inadequate. I wish you well in searching for a positive response to this negative situation as I know there will be suitable alarm among the many caring Ohana. Thank you, Brad
Beat of Hawaii
Hi Brad.
Thanks.
Aloha.
BarryR
Wow, where are all the holier than thou locals talking crap about the tourists now? The locals are hurting themselves by damaging their own home! Hypocrites. They talk about how the mainlanders aren’t taking covid seriously, then 1000 locals throw a party at the beach. Get ready for the resulting covid spike and the extended quarantine. (And the resulting economic meltdown.) Somebody once said, “dont poop where you eat.”
Sheri S
These are some great ideas Brad.
Scott
So much for respect the Aina.
Sarah
So now we see that it is not us visitors that are causing problems in Hawaii.
CarolF
This is so sad & so disrespectful. Come on Kauai-you are so much better than this
Comments are closed.
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This news is heart breaking. We love Hawaii. It’s magical. I completely understand how you’d get to the point of enough already! But to destroy your beautiful state. There is no room for any type of vandalism anywhere! COVID is being blamed for everything. We are so sad we had to cancel our vacation to Hawaii this year. However, we will always return. Sometimes it’s hard to see what is right in front of you. Hard to see how blessed you are. We truly feel blessed every time we land on your beautiful soil. Can’t wait to visit again soon.
Hawaii is going to have to accept that they must open. Even your residents are restless. I don’t understand the worry of CoVid any longer. Persons exposed are to quarantine for 14 days. New information says only three days if fever.
You have been closed to visitors longer than quarantine. Those on the Island have been there more than 14 days, they live there and you cannot ignore that people socialize even with your strict rules.
Open up your eyes to logic and let people live their life happy instead of in fear.
I could not agree with you more! We must be cautious with testing, mask wearing, etc while we wait for a vaccine but when you take away a person’s income potential and thus their hope, the result is lawlessness and violence. Tourists may not be perfect but we bring the money which provides the income. Maybe I am blind, but I have only seen tourists who appreciate and love the land and the people. Be careful but open the state!
What you don’t understand is people coming in from other states and places may bring it in. Some states are hot spots for COVID-19 and you can’t turn some people away and let some in. They are being cautious as they should be.
Before we visited Kauai a few years ago, a friend who’d been stationed at Pearl Harbor gave us a warning: He said his military roommate was from Kauai. Our friend, Mike, wanted his roommate to take him to Kauai to visit. The roommate said Mike would not be welcome there. He said he was ok with Mike, but people on Kauai wouldn’t be. He said visitors aren’t welcome there.
I read that people of Kauai were upset because visitors used to travel only on tour buses, and only go to certain area, but now everyone got rental cars and drove all over the island. When I travel, I want to explore the area. I don’t want to be limited to the south side. Just because one was fortunate enough to be born on Kauai’s North Shore does not mean that person is entitled to exclusive access to its beauty and its state/national parks. There were many angry comments directed toward visitors as the state planned how to reopen Haena and Ke’e. It seemed that people wanted tourism dollars to help rebuild the road to Ke’e, but they didn’t want us to be allowed to go there.
We have been lucky enough to visit the beautiful garden island many times. We even had a small destination wedding on the Southside. No one we have ever come in contact with has been anything besides warm & gracious. We have stayed in poipu, kapaa & Primceville. This is my favorite island and always will be. I look forward to our next trip (we went on Jan & Feb 2020)
You folks have to preserve the beauty of Hawai’i. It isnt just mainlanders to blame!
I’ve been preaching this since the start of covid you can only keep young adults locked down for so long. Once the under 40’s figured out that the virus isn’t going to kill them they made the decision to not adhere to social distancing or mask wearing. Over the weekend my daughter visited Pismo Beach in California. Said it was packed and there was no social distancing and little mask wearing. This is happening all over the country. This is the leading edge of social unrest on the islands and it’s going to get worse.
I am in Orange co & know if atleast 4 young people 20ish who have it plus the host that had a graduation party. I have been thrilled Hawaii has been able to set standards and not have the number of cases we do. It is not over but many want to live as if it is. I hope the people of HWaii stay safe & healthy.
Does anyone have the figures about how many people on each island are from Hawaiian ancestry, as opposed to all those living there that moved to the islands?
Mahalo
Bill
Hi Bill.
My we don’t have that at it fingertips, but we do have this from the US Census. https://www.census.gov/quickfacts/fact/table/HI/PST045219.
Aloha.
Great reason for all of us to participate and complete the census forms.
Mahalo for your response.
I knew the number of Hawaiians would be small, but I was stunned that the census only reflects a little over 10%.
That is a truly amazing statistic.
Aloha
Hi Bill.
Thanks for asking.
Aloha.
Wow.
FYI. I just received notice that my October flight has been cancelled.
Seems like the locals are on the same track as the Native Americans
WOW!!
Great job Hawai’ian residents.
At least tourists weren’t there to take the blame.
Shame on anyone that participated in the vandalism.
Lock them up!!
It does not take many votes to get elected as a mayor in these Cities and Counties in Hawaii, California, Washington and Oregon. Once elected they have too much influence. They tie the hands of law enforcement who keep down the criminal activities. They release numerous dangerous inmates early. They impose liberal policies which allow homeless, drug users and criminals to destroy things for everyone. It takes leadership and NOT liberalism to keep Hawaii beautiful. Meanwhile open the economy up so you can afford to clean up after these people. Thanks and Please vote!
Aloha, I agree with everything you have posted with one exception, those individuals who destroyed any property need to be the individuals who clean it up/replace it. It’s called ‘Tough Love’…if an individual is allowed to be disrespectful, destroy property,rape, murder, etc with no consequences, it only escalates. We are all brothers and sisters on this planet. I hate living in Calif b/c it is too liberal. I am a retired nurse who wants to live in Hawaii and volunteer to help where I might be of assistance but from what I have read, I do not feel I will be welcome. CJ
Whenever we returned to Kauai (vacation) we always tried to visit
Polihale Park. It was always peaceful and tranquil! A beautiful place! Please respect and preserve it!
We returned to Hawaii last summer after being away for about 15 years. We were so disappointed with the locals (and now permanent vagrants) and how they have destroyed so many beautiful spots in Hawaii. The islands have changed and it is not for the better, the Hawaiian government has abandoned all respect for the Islands in favor of allowing homelessness and drug use ravage a once beautiful place. We will not be returning any time soon. At least they can no longer blame the tourists for what is self made destruction.
I appreciate your update about Polihale. I’ve visited Kauai nine times since 1986. In 1990, my friend Hunter took me surfing to the west side and Polihale. We packed the cooler with ice, beverages, vegetables for fresh salsa, and shrimp to barbecue. I remember the Hawaiian feel of the verdant hills, cane fields, remote beach with clear water, and view of Niihau! No one was around in November. He said, “Watch out for sharks! If you see me paddling in – get out!” I’ll always remember how special Polihale was! Aloha!
Hi Ron.
Thanks.
Aloha.
We have reservations to arrive in Kauai on September 15, planning to stay for 10 days. Can someone please comment on the likelihood of the island being open for visitors? The news about what is happening in Kauai, with vandalism, etc., saddens me deeply!
Thank you!
Hi Gerry.
We don’t know at this point but should know more no later than August 15.
Aloha.
BEAT OF HAWAII RESPONSE TEAM. Please proofread and spell check the response before posting it.
Wow! Responding with a comment that is grammatically incorrect and presented with no punctuation as well as incorrectly spelled is so unprofessional.
Gerry we have a trip scheduled for a month later and I think that unfortunately there is almost no chance there is almost no chance we will be able to go. Listen to Lt Gov Green’s Facebook interview from /28 with the Honolulu Star-Advertiser. I have become a fan of his through this but his comments about opening up travel to Japan because they are “respectful” tourists vs. mainlanders that come on “cheap” flights to be at best elitist, in extremely poor taste and very generalized. It appears the distaste for us extends to the LG’s office. I would love to hear him respond to these unfortunate events in Polihale and try to defend the locals. I am curious what BOH thinks?
Mahalo
Hi Jon.
If you’re asking about our thoughts on travel bubbles, we don’t think they will work at multiple levels. First, you really can’t know what Japan’s health situation is, or Australia’s. A news search will show you that both have a resurgence issue. In addition, the impression a travel bubble gives, which we alluded to as a PR nightmare, is something that Hawaii can ill-afford. Unfortunately, there is literally no one at the helm in terms of marketing here in Hawaii, so that voice may well be getting lost. Moreover, there are no easy answers. The return of travel should be met with on-arrival testing, as we’ve mentioned many times before. Hawaii totally missed that necessary component and instead put all of their reliance on some never revealed agreement with CVS for pre-travel testing.
Aloha.
I advice you to cancel your trip. We had reservations to arrive on Sept 17th. I cancelled those plans. I’m pretty sure that when it gets close to August 31, Hawaii will extend the quarantine through Sept 30th. So ridiculous.
I’m going October 28th to Big Island and Maui and I feel for you. It’s been driving me bonkers on what to do and I’m in this for over $4,000 with only 50% back if I cancel. It’s madness. I hope we get to go and enjoy ourselves without worry. Take care 🤙🏽
We were to arrive on Sept 19 but Hawaii officials knew ahead of time it was impossible for 99.9% of us to get a Covid test and results in 72 hours.They made the policy anyway so they could say the Haoles werent willing to comply. We cancelled and are planning to reschedule for May 2021. We are fairly sure we wont be welcome then either but we have to try.
Aloha. No identifiable state leadership and no law enforcement. When the tourists are away, the “locals” trash paradise. Perfect.
This comes under the heading of “be careful what you ask for”! Sure it’s nice when the tourists aren’t allowed to travel to Hawaii, but despite some of the negative effects, they provide financial resources and a balance to the islands. As usual, drastic changes, like keeping tourists away, rarely result in a completely positive outcome. There’s always give and take.
Enjoy your islands Hawaiians. I’m headed elsewhere.
Perfectly said @Mike! Visitors to Hawaii are like Rodney Dangerfield….never any respect for what they bring!
I agree. It will be years before I visit Hawaii again
Having visited Kauai regularly for the last 10 years it is finally good to have validation that it is not always the tourists that are disrespectful. Having witnessed many burned out or abandoned cars left all over the island as well as garbage, old tires etc you know that this is not being done by tourists. Its easy to blame the tourists but give your head a shake and assign the blame where it belongs. If the tourists are not going to be made welcome they will not come and then Kauai as well as all the other islands will be in a world of hurt. Clean up your own household before you go criticizing others! As tourism is slowly reopening there are many other vacation destinations that are doing everything they can by offering attractive incentives to attract visitors to their locales. Hawaii should be worried!
I’ve often wondered why there are abandoned cars, trucks, and tires strewn about as a visitor, which clearly is not a result of visitors. Thank you for this post, because lately it seems there are many who complain about visitors, but this is clearly not from visitors. Sad to read about though. Hope people stay healthy there, and safe.
I 100% agree with you. I’ve been visiting Maui almost every year going on 10 years now we always get treated badly by the locals but we still continue to go. After everything going on and all the things locals are saying about tourist I only imagine it will get worse. I don’t know that I will go back. I rather spend my hard earned money where I’m welcomed. I recently visited Florida where they had great deals to bring tourist back and everyone was so nice and welcoming.
I am kind of at that point with Hawaii too…i love seeing the whales in Maui, but i honestly dont know if i cant to continue spending that kind of money in a place that really doesn’t want me. NO”aloha” there
Terry R…..AMEN to everything you just said. This past February we noticed lots of abandoned cars on the Big Island. We have been coming for over 30 years, but it is looking more and more like we may be forced to change our plans this year. It is sad. Visitors want to come to the beautiful islands but we certainly don’t want to come if we are not welcome, and some of the comments and this kind of behavior from the locals makes me wonder if it is still safe for us to come or if they will take their anger and aggressions out on the tourists, who are easy to spot in our rental cars.
Sad but this behavior is not isolated to Hawaii. We escaped California where the liberal government has allowed behavior like this all over the state. San Francisco was a great city not too long ago. Now it’s the laughing stock of the country. We are seeing major cities mayors allowing this kind of activity all over on the mainland. Maybe the solution is to change leadership throughout the country. It’s not too hard to figure out the solution…
I love Hawaii and I hope we can all take better care of the islands so we can all enjoy paradise. Most of the people I know in Hawaii are the best people on earth. Thanks to the Beat of Hawaii for keeping us all informed on what’s happening in Hawaii. I look forward to getting back!
@ B. Warren, yes we left CA too- was born and raised there but NOT the same. Liberal governments have destroyed these once beautiful, thriving places and have let the inmates run the asylum so to speak – no law and order. I wonder if that’s part of their plan -keep people poor and down and dependent on government to bail them out so they can keep getting votes. Instead they need to elect leaders that will raise them up to be successful on their own by giving them the tools and opportunities to do so. I’m from a blue collar family – worked hard for everything we have – no handouts.
Mahalo for the link to the Census.
Wow.
FYI. I just received notice that my October flight has been cancelled by the airline.
All of these comments are heartwrenching. Even if someone steps forward to try and run for Office they are met with “peaceful” protesters.
Who is willing to put their themselves and their family threw that for a “mail in” fraud election?
Sad to read this as we have visited many of the sites mentioned…especially Polihale. Looking forward to the day when we can return.
Brace yourselves, because it’ll get worse before it gets better. Wait until a few hundred thousand Hawaiians don’t get their extra $600/week, all while Incompetent Ige & Friends fumble your visitor “re-opening”. Feel so sorry for all the good Hawaiians that must feel so helpless. For most of us, we can’t help the virus cure, but we can vote. Elections have consequences!!!
SoCal Matt
👏🏻
Amen!
I think they should be ostracized and given a one way ticket off the island. Make way for others who will respect, appreciate and care for their surroundings. It’s so sad to see such a beautiful place being destroyed.
I seriously doubt that visitors have ever been party to vandalism, theft, and graffiti. Most visitors are happy to be there enjoying the beauty and nature of Kauai. What is sad is that some of the locals have become so hateful and for what reason? No idea what they hope to gain by trashing the visitors and the island that is their home. Our personal experience with local bias earlier this year during the early days of the pandemic was eye opening and disturbing. Now hard to blame the rest of the world when the rest of the world is not there. A shame for all the lovely people I know and love on Kauai.
So much for caring for the aina, I wonder how many vandals were flying an upside down Hawaiian State flag on their cars and trucks while they desecrated the sacred land.
This is the saddest thing I’ve read in a long time. Especially disrespecting burial grounds.
Time for these vandals to remember:
The life of the land is perpetuated in righteousness.
It’s not just Hawaii or Kauai. State parks EVERYWHERE are being vandalized and mistreated by larger than normal crowds of people while resources to maintain these parks are decimated by COVID. Because of COVID, people can’t or don’t want to take vacations far away, so they go to closer to home, possibly to areas they haven’t been before. This behavior started back in March other places, I think the only surprise is that it took until July for the problem to become severe in Hawaii.
Here’s an article from MARCH detailing the problem, and a quick news search brings up many more articles on similar topics.
https://www.nationalparkstraveler.org/2020/03/coronavirus-leading-vandalism-illegal-camping-short-staffing-national-parks
I think people who visit Polihale and other national parks and outdoor areas regularly treat them with respect. It seems that some large fraction of locals EVERYWHERE who are visiting these places for the first time are not treating them with respect. COVID is hard for everyone, but I would hope people learn better behavior and treat our beaches/parks/outdoors with respect.
Wade
Well we’ll now locals. What’s your excuse for the problems on the islands?
What? Can’t blame tourists now? How bout you look in the mirror and have a chat with that person.
Grow up, take responsibility and behave yourself.
The islands should ALWAYS BE RESPECTED.
Always.
Mahalo Beat of Hawai’i 🌺
Hi Pam.
Thanks for all your comments.
Aloha.
I bet the ones who drove on and messed up the lands probably didn’t protest at the Moauna for the TMT. If they did they’re hypocrites.
I am heartbroken to read about the many recent incidents of theft and vandalism. I realize people may be angry and/or bored but it’s hard to believe they would want to destroy the beauty of Hawaii and its public services. I am even more saddened to see the Covid counts all over the U.S. continuing to rise, ultimately keeping those us living in the U.S., whose souls long to return to Hawaii from doing so. Your recent report about Hawaii opening up to Japan is sad as well. I understand completely the deep rooted Japanese culture and heritage that is a part of Hawaii, I just have a great love and concern for the preservation of the beautiful Polynesian culture that was/is truly Hawaiian.
So much for the “protectors”. Seems somebody’s ancestors are most likely buried nearby…most not be politically expedient to respect the aina in this area.
So sad to read this. Everyone must be feeling lost. Hopefully they will ‘find’ again the appreciation of living in paradise. In the meantime while so many are out of work and their normal routines interrupted, the county could ask for more volunteers for trash pick up, trail clearing, etc. so people can come together for the greater good.
It wasn’t me!
I always say that when I hear sirens, thought that was funny, thank you for the smile…….
I know it has nothing to do with the disrespectful behavior and I do understand about Island Fever!
The irony is just too great. All the “locals” complaining of poor behavior and blaming it all on the tourists and telling visitors to stay out. Well, what are you going to say about this now? Maybe it’s been a “local” problem all along. I am sure there have been plenty of idiot tourists, but to blame all of us as a whole? Really?
Exactly. Well said. And, after all of the moaning and groaning from the State of Hawaii about visitors potentially spreading Covid, the locals do this. Wow… A thousand people? Seriously, wow.
Our family visits Polihale regularly and we are very sad and very angry that one of the most prized beaches on Kauai has been so mistreated, especially by locals, who are supposed to take pride in their Hawaiian heritage and conservation of ancient land. They have ruined a peaceful gathering place by not having PONO. How many YEARS will it be before we can enjoy Polihale again thanks to the horrible actions of so many in just a few short weeks?
Move [edited] off Kauai. Problem solved. Enough with this behavior.
How sad to read this. Unfortunately no discussion of homeless who came and never left the islands? Also no mention of rabid drug use and alcoholism which is a key factor in the discussion that should be had. Illegal drugs, drug users and sales are all over the place in Oahu making it unsafe and unsanitary for the locals and visitors alike. Same can be said for the other islands. Sadly the same thing is happening in Southern California. A quick stop to a beach side restroom in Carlsbad next door to a gorgeous Church and my husband walked in on 2 guys puking and shooting up out in the open. I don’t think it is all the citizen’s who behave this way with zero respect. Hawaii like San Diego & California needs to have a huge “intervention” and get the users the help they people desperately need.
Totally agree with you as far as California or anywhere. even in small little rural towns its happening. And yes addicts ,homeless etc do need help.
Oh they do help them here in California. But not the way they should. They actually housed them during covid in hotels and brought them drugs, needles and alcohol so they didn’t have to go out and possibly catch covid. How insane is that? They need a doctors care and detox and help to make a commitment to live a sober life.
Bonnie, time to reopen the mental institutions and convert several of them to drug rehabilitation centers, eh? California is becoming a cesspool of homless, addicted mentally disturbed people, and the State Capitol is getting just as bad. Can’t go anywhere without seeing tents at cloverleaf entrances to freeways, or someone sleeping on a sidewalk, who hasn’t bathed in weeks, if not months…
It just doesn’t get any sadder. We hope that Hawaii can recover and heal. We’ll give it time to recover and hope for the best and plan for a visit about a year after the vaccine is administered. Long way to go, but that includes everywhere else in the world too.
Hi Rob,
Is it possible the lead photo is not Polihale?
I thought the same thing when I saw that picture. It looks like a wide, paved road, which is certainly not the case with Lower Saki Mana Road. Rob, Jeff, please clarify.
Hi Bob.
You’re correct. As stated in the article, that photo, provided us by DLNR, was of one of the other beaches mentioned.
Aloha.
This is a disturbing development and it sounds like no tourists are around to falsely lay blame. Tourists generally cannot rent pick up trucks with lift kits, terrain destroying fat tires, and other off road, after market tweaks.
Hawaii has so much positive energy that there may be a solution to this. Since many on the islands know each other, minimal enforcement budgets could be supplemented by a neighborhood watch concept, except applied to the beaches that are the site of issues. It’s impossible to do as an individual but easier as a group to take charge of encouraging respect. After all, if it’s localized you may likely know the people who are part of the problem.
Closing beaches is meaningless without enforcement of some kind. Respect for mother nature and the finite gifts bestowed upon Hawaii making it such a desirable destination is a great example of how mother nature gives back, and gives so much.
I would encourage Hawaiians to consider how they would feel if tourists behaved this way and band together to fund solutions that go beyond state park ranger patrol budgets which are obviously inadequate. I wish you well in searching for a positive response to this negative situation as I know there will be suitable alarm among the many caring Ohana. Thank you, Brad
Hi Brad.
Thanks.
Aloha.
Wow, where are all the holier than thou locals talking crap about the tourists now? The locals are hurting themselves by damaging their own home! Hypocrites. They talk about how the mainlanders aren’t taking covid seriously, then 1000 locals throw a party at the beach. Get ready for the resulting covid spike and the extended quarantine. (And the resulting economic meltdown.) Somebody once said, “dont poop where you eat.”
These are some great ideas Brad.
So much for respect the Aina.
So now we see that it is not us visitors that are causing problems in Hawaii.
This is so sad & so disrespectful. Come on Kauai-you are so much better than this