Hawaii’s Land and Natural Resources board voted unanimously Thursday to establish emergency rules banning alcohol around the popular Kaneohe Bay party spot known as “the sandbar.”
Alcohol possession, disorderly conduct and anyone under the influence of alcohol and drugs will all be prohibited around a designated section of Ahu o Laka, which is typically packed with boats and crowds on three-day weekends.
The emergency rules were prompted by a 26-year-old man’s death following an alcohol-fueled brawl in the area on Memorial Day. The area is notorious for such incidents, which include a stabbing on Labor Day 2007 and a 40-person riot in 2005.
Department of Land and Natural Resources officials hope the rules will prevent what could be dangerous activity on the July 4th and Labor Day weekends this year.
The area is what some have described as a “no man’s land.” The offshore area is not subject to Honolulu city and county law enforcement. The state has jurisdiction, but lacks sufficient enforcement, officials said.
More than a dozen people testified in support of the new rules at Thursday’s meeting, most of whom were Kaneohe Bay-area residents and frequent sandbar visitors. Many said the boat parties – especially on three-day weekends – grew violent and were a disturbance to those who enjoy the area more regularly.
However, a few opposed the rule, saying they would deprive residents of enjoying what is an iconic recreational spot.
“Currently, there are no apparent Department regulations relating to disorderly conduct, or the consumption, use, or possession of alcohol or other intoxicating substances in relation to Ahu o Laka,” according to a DLNR recommendation submitted to the land board. No explicit laws exist that prohibit such activity in the zone.
Until now, individuals typically partied at the sandbar undisturbed — as long as they were complying with broader state laws.
An earlier proposal by DLNR’s Division of Boating and Ocean Recreation recommended applying the rules to every weekend and state holiday. But the board amended the recommendation to apply only to three-day weekends — times when most members of public the crowds were rowdiest.
Ahu o Laka is not new to Hawaii’s Legislature. In 2006, Sen. Clayton Hee introduced a bill that would have designated the area a state monument and banned alcohol at the sandbar. Lawmakers passed the measure, but it was vetoed by former Gov. Linda Lingle.
