HomeMy WebLinkAbout2021-02-16OfficialsbegintransitionbacktorecreationalcampingatcountyparksDEREK S.K. KAWAKAMI, MAYOR MICHAEL A. DAHILIG, MANAGING DIRECTOR
News Release
For Immediate Release: February 16, 2021
COUNTY OF KAUA‘I
HOUSING AGENCY
ADAM ROVERSI, DIRECTOR
(808) 241-4444
Officials begin transition back to recreational camping at county parks;
‘Shelter in Place’ camping permit program to be discontinued
LĪHU‘E – The County of Kaua‘i announces it will begin to allow public recreational camping at
county parks, and will discontinue its Shelter in Place camping permit program through a phased
transition starting in late March.
“Through emergency provisions in place since the beginning of the pandemic, five of our county
beach parks were identified as safe areas for houseless individuals to shelter in place,” said Mayor Derek
S.K. Kawakami. “We are now at a point in our recovery where we feel confident in concluding this
program, and our team will continue to make every effort to help connect individuals with assistance
and resources.”
The last days of the Shelter in Place camping permit program will be as follows.
• ‘Anini and Anahola Beach Parks – March 31, 2021;
• Lucy Wright Beach Park – April 30, 2021;
• Lydgate Beach Park – May 31, 2021; and
• Salt Pond Beach Park – June 30, 2021.
Recreational camping will be open to the general public starting on the following dates.
• ‘Anini and Anahola Beach Parks – April 30, 2021;
• Lucy Wright Beach Park – May 21, 2021;
COUNTY OF KAUA‘I
DEPARTMENT OF PARKS & RECREATION
PATRICK T. PORTER, DIRECTOR
(808) 241-4460
• Lydgate Beach Park – June 25, 2021; and
• Salt Pond Beach Park – July 23, 2021.
After these opening dates, only individuals with recreational permits from the county
Department of Parks and Recreation, as described in Chapter 19 of the Kaua‘i County Code, will be
allowed to camp at county beach parks. Camping permit applications are not being accepted at this
time; however, more details will be announced prior to the park openings.
County park rangers will continue to remind individuals occupying these parks of the upcoming
changes as each closure date draws near. Additionally, the Housing Agency’s homeless coordinator and
social service agency partners will lead continuous efforts in referring homeless individuals to available
on-island resources.
“Our Housing Agency has conducted various outreach efforts for individuals at our county parks
throughout the last year, and we will continue to offer our assistance and coordination with nonprofit
partners to help those willing to accept it,” said Housing Director Adam Roversi.
During the transition periods, the Department of Parks and Recreation will be conducting site
cleanup, grounds maintenance, and facility repairs. Community groups interested in assisting the
department with these efforts are encouraged to call 241-4460 to coordinate.
“We thank the public for their understanding during these very challenging times, and we look
forward to bringing back recreational camping to our parks,” said Mayor Kawakami.
For more information about county camping permits and the Department of Parks and
Recreation, please call 241-4460. For more information about the Housing Agency’s homeless outreach
program, please call 241-4427.
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