HONOLULU (KHON2) — A rockslide claimed eight lives on Mother’s Day 1999 at Sacred Falls hike, and it’s been closed ever since.
According to the Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR), people continue to ignore the risks regardless of the state’s enforced safety measures.
Despite clear signage of hazardous conditions and park closure, the DLNR Division of Conservation and Resources Enforcement (DOCARE) has received footage of multiple young adults climbing a locked gate to exit the area.
“People who enter Sacred Falls are not only endangering themselves, they also endanger the safety of first responders if they get into trouble”, said DOCARE Chief Jasn Redulla. “This risk to our responders, including DOCARE officers, is intolerable and violators who are found entering or exiting the closed area will be dealt with accordingly.”
Courtesy: DLNR
Penalty for entering a closed area in violation of the State Park administrative rule includes a $1,000 fine or up to 30 days in jail for a petty misdemeanor.
“How many times do we have to tell people to stop going into Sacred Falls?” asked Redulla. “I have directed the Oahu Branch to take strong enforcement action on any closed area violations at Sacred Falls, including arresting violators,” he said. DOCARE is increasing patrols of the area.