12/30/25 – DLNR PATROLS TO DETER ILLEGAL CHRISTMAS TREE BONFIRES – Hawaii.gov

JOSH GREEN, M.D. GOVERNOR RYAN KANAKAʻOLE  ACTING CHAIRPERSON DLNR PATROLS TO DETER ILLEGAL CHRISTMAS TREE BONFIRES HONOLULU – Officers with the Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) Division of Conservation and Resources Enforcement (DOCARE) will again be on patrol over the New Year’s holiday to enforce the law and protect the environment, including the sacred Ahu o Laka (Kāne‘ohe Bay sandbar). For some, illicit Christmas tree burning at the sandbar was an annual, post-holiday tradition. This unlawful practice has become less common in recent years, partly due to a better community understanding of the negative environmental effects, and from the presence of DOCARE officers patrolling the area after the Christmas and New Year’s holidays. “Public awareness that this activity violates laws and rules and causes harm to the surrounding marine ecosystem has increased, and we’re encouraged by the recent trend to comply with the rules,” said DOCARE Chief Jason Redulla. “We’ve posted officers on shore and on the water in the past, to make checks and deter illegal activity, and will do so again this year.” Ahu o Laka carries a rich cultural significance for many Native Hawaiians and area residents. It’s also a popular recreational destination for boating
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