HomeMy WebLinkAboutNR121119IllegalcampersremovedfromSaltPondBeachParkonWednesdayaftermultiplewarningsF� OF
THE COUNTY OF KAUA'I
DEREK S. K. KAWAKAMI, MAYOR
qa 4 MICHAEL A. DAHILIG, MANAGING DIRECTOR
OF
News Release
For Immediate Release: December 11, 2019
COUNTY OF KAUA`I
DEPARTMENT OF PARKS & RECREATION
KAUA`I POLICE DEPARTMENT
Illegal campers removed from Salt Pond Beach Park on Wednesday after
multiple warnings
HANAPEPE — Kaua`i police arrested three individuals on Wednesday who refused to
comply with county park camping rules at Salt Pond Beach Park.
At approximately 6:30 a.m., officials with the Department of Parks and Recreation
requested the assistance of the Kauai Police Department to safely remove individuals who
were illegally camping at Salt Pond Beach Park, in order for park officials to perform scheduled
maintenance of the area.
Park officials have issued multiple verbal warnings and written citations to the
unpermitted campers before Wednesday's arrest. They were also previously notified that
camping is closed at Salt Pond Beach Park, Tuesday through Wednesday, for park
maintenance. Additionally, assistance from resources representatives have been offered to the
individuals on numerous occasions in the past.
"Salt Pond Beach Park is a County park facility meant for all members of our
community," said Department of Parks and Recreation Director Patrick Porter. "It's a popular
place for families during the holidays, and the County continues to issue camping permits to
those wishing to use the public park. We have continuously tried to work with all campers to
comply with the rules of our parks and facilities, in an effort to ensure our parks are properly
cared for and maintained for the entire community."
"The arrests this morning were made due to violations of park rules that are in place to
protect public health," said Kauai Police Chief Todd G. Raybuck. "The park requires routine
maintenance and campers need to vacate the premises during the allotted timeframe so that
county officials can clean for sanitary purposes. KPD will continue to enforce the rules so that
Salt Pond Beach Park can continue to be enjoyed by the entire community."
The three individuals were taken into custody Wednesday without incident and each
released on $50 in bail.
County officials continue to urge all park users to apply for camping permits and follow
all facility rules for the safety and enjoyment of all park users. For more information about
camping at County of Kauai parks, please visit www.kauai.gov/Camping.