DLNR TAKES STEPS TO PROTECT SENSITIVE NATURAL, CULTURAL RESOURCES AT KEALAKEKUA BAY VIA NEW KA‘AWALOA LANDING PERMIT

02/08/2010

KAILUA-KONA – The Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) is implementing new measures to improve its management of the Kealakekua Bay State Historic Park and better protect the sensitive natural, historic and cultural resources of these treasures of Hawai‘i.

To prevent damage to the shoreline and coral reef and accidental destruction of significant historic and cultural sites by large numbers of visitors, DLNR is now requiring that visitors to the park receive information regarding the sensitive sites and guidance on how to assist in preserving the area during their visit. Effective February 23, 2010 information will be provided through a simple permit system for people seeking to land vessels along the Ka‘awaloa shoreline or moor at the wharf adjacent to the Captain Cook Monument in the bay.

“Residents can easily access free education and cultural practices permits that will provide guidance to ensure there is no accidental damage to the cultural sites,” said Laura H. Thielen, DLNR chairperson.

“Visitors have guided tours to ensure they appreciate the historical and cultural significance of the areas and eliminate inadvertent damage,” she added.

“In the meantime, the entire bay remains open to all people to enjoy the pristine waters and marine life,” she said.

Signs will be posted at entry locations along the bay to notify people of this system and provide information on how they can obtain a permit.

Kealakekua Bay State Historical Park and Ka‘awaloa peninsula within the bay are two of Hawai‘i’s most significant historical and cultural locations, with an abundance of fragile and significant archaeological sites.

Ka‘awaloa is the shoreline commonly used to access the famous Captain Cook Monument from the bay. Boaters also use this shoreline to beach their vessel before snorkeling at Ka‘awaloa Cove.

“We encourage every visitor and resident to enjoy this magnificent area, and to do so responsibly to protect and preserve the corals and marine life and help ensure public safety,” said Deborah Ward, spokesperson for DLNR.

DLNR has conducted recent law enforcement actions at the pier in cooperation with Hawai‘i County Police to address illegal commercial rental of kayaks. Several illegal kayaks have been confiscated.

DLNR is informing kayak rental vendors of the new permit requirement, and requesting that the vendors advise their customers of the landing without a permit restriction.

DLNR Enforcement officers have posted and distributed the same notice at Napo‘opo‘o Pier. DLNR will also implement an outreach plan to kayak and ocean recreation companies, visitor and resident recreational interests.

45 second rip and read: To prevent damage to the Ka‘awaloa shoreline and coral reef and accidental destruction of significant historic and cultural sites by large numbers of visitors, DLNR is now requiring visitors to Kealakekua Bay State Historical Park to receive information and guidance regarding sensitive sites and how to assist in preserving the area during their visit. Information will be provided through a simple permit system for people seeking to land vessels along the Ka‘awaloa shoreline or moor at the wharf adjacent to the Captain Cook Monument in the bay. For information on how to obtain a permit contact the State Parks office in Hilo at (808) 974-6200.