DLNR: State increasing enforcement of Sacred Falls closure

State officials say they are increasing enforcement of the closure of Sacred Falls State Park on Oahu after learning that people are disregarding signs posted there.

The Hawaii Department of Land and Natural Resources on Tuesday said it recently received a report and video footage of “numerous young adults exiting the closed area by climbing over a locked gate.”

Sacred Falls, also known as Kaliuwaa Falls in Hauula, has been closed since a deadly rockslide on Mother’s Day in 1999 resulted in eight deaths and injured numerous others.

Signs posted at the park warn of dangerous conditions and inform visitors of the closure, DLNR said yet “people continue to gamble with their safety and their lives by entering Sacred Falls.”

In February, a 67-year-old California woman was cited for hiking on the closed trail with her husband. The Honolulu Fire Department rescued the couple after the man fell of the trail and was seriously injured. He was hospitalized.

Division of Conservation and Resources Enforcement Chief Jason Redulla said he has directed officers to take strong enforcement action on any closed area violations at Sacred Falls, including the arrest of violators. DOCARE is also stepping up patrols of 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 Redulla in a news release. “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.”

Violations of the State Park administrative rule pertaining to entering a closed area is considered a petty misdemeanor, DLNR said, punishable by up to a $1,000 fine or up to 30 days in jail.