Apr 24 2024 - The Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) announced that dozens of vehicles will be towed from Kahului Harbor next month. The decision comes after the harbor area has been overrun with abandoned vehicles, leading to concerns about safety and cleanliness.
DOBOR Administrator Ed Underwood expressed the necessity of this action, stating, “We recognize the plight houseless individuals face and the extraordinary high cost of living on Maui and across the state. However, our boating facilities are open to everyone and it is not appropriate for certain individuals to decide to set up living quarters and to literally trash out places that are owned by all the citizens of Hawai‘i. Currently the harbor area looks like an abandoned vehicle junk yard and we have an obligation to make sure it is clean for the many boaters, fishers, and recreationalists who utilize our facilities on a daily basis."
The DLNR emphasized the importance of maintaining the harbor area for the benefit of the community, including boaters, fishers, and recreationalists. The presence of abandoned vehicles not only creates an eyesore but also poses potential hazards to those using the facilities.
Efforts to clean up the harbor area and ensure its proper use are part of the DLNR's ongoing commitment to preserving Hawaii's natural resources and promoting responsible recreation.