Overnight camping in Oahu park suspended due to reckless behavior

State authorities said that starting August 23, camping at Sand Island State Recreation Area will be prohibited due to reckless behavior at night.

The suspension will be indefinite, the state Department of Land and Natural Resources’ Division of State Parks said.

In addition to continually violating state park rules, the DPS says campers drink and make noise throughout the night, leaving a trail of trash and used camping equipment.

“This behavior overwhelms the park rangers and maintenance staff who clean the campgrounds and the park,” DSP Administrator Curt Cottrell said in a press release. “It endangers public safety and degrades the quality of the park.”

According to the DSP, the list of observed violations includes:

>> People trying to camp without a permit.

>> People who remain at a campsite after a permit has expired, making it difficult to manage or prepare for the next group.

>> Alcohol consumption and disruptive and loud behaviour throughout the night and into the daytime hours.

>> The limit of 10 people per campsite is ignored and often more than 30 people stay there. This includes people who enter the park after closing time and often wait outside the gate, drinking and being loud.

>> Leaving garbage at campsites and spreading garbage throughout the park at night.

>> Illegal fire lighting. This also includes children who have lit fires outside of campsites.