HR 40: urging the Department of Land and Natural Resources to open keawa'ula and mĀkua beaches for extended hours and camping.

HOUSE RESOLUTION

urging the Department of Land and Natural Resources to open keawa'ula and mĀkua beaches for extended hours and camping.

     WHEREAS, Keawa'ula Beach is a section of Ka'ena Point State Park which falls under the jurisdiction of the Department of Land and Natural Resources; and

     WHEREAS, the beach is currently open from 6 AM to 7 PM daily; and

     WHEREAS, camping falls under the list of activities that are not permitted; and

     WHEREAS, despite the "no camping" rule, many people still camp and barbeque at this location, often without repercussions; and

     WHEREAS, Mākua Beach is also part of the Ka'ena Point State Park, falling under the purview of the department where camping is also not permitted; and

     WHEREAS, Mākua Beach is leased to the State by the United States Army; and

     WHEREAS, these beaches serve as a highly desirable spot of recreation for residents and tourists alike; and

     WHEREAS, reports of illegal camping and beachgoers staying beyond parks hours creates a safety concern; now, therefore,

     BE IT RESOLVED by the House of Representatives of the Thirty-third Legislature of the State of Hawaii, Regular Session of 2025, the Department of Land and Natural Resources is urged to extend hours and camping regulations to the Keawa'ula and Mākua Beaches from Friday morning through Sunday evening to provide residents in the area with safe and secure options for recreation; and

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that certified copies of this Resolution be transmitted to the Chair of Land and Natural Resources.

Report Title: 

DNLR; Camping; Extended Hours; Keawa'ula Beach; Mākua Beach