With holiday trees being taken down, the Department of Land and Natural Resources Division of Conservation and Resources Enforcement (DOCARE) has increased patrols at Ahu o Laka, the Kāne‘ohe Bay sandbar. DOCARE officers are focused on preventing the illegal practice of burning Christmas trees, which had become a recurring activity at the sacred Hawaiian site, according to an annoucement by the Hawai'i DLNR.
The effort to prevent Christmas tree bonfires is driven by more than just the need to enforce rules. Ahu o Laka holds cultural significance for Native Hawaiians and local residents, making it a sacred site that requires protection. The burning of trees impacts the area's natural beauty and can cause harm to marine life and coral ecosystems. Additionally, it leaves behind debris in a region designated as a state wildlife sanctuary.
DOCARE Chief Redulla has noted the contrast between tradition and responsibility. "People haul their trees to Ahu o Laka by boat, and burning them not only violates the law, it is disrespectful and harmful to this special place," Redulla said in the department's announcement. Community involvement is vital in this battle against cultural and environmental violations. To bolster their efforts, DOCARE appeals to the public to report unlawful acts using the department's hotline at 643-DLNR (3567) or via the handy DLNRTip app which is readily available for iPhone and Android users.
