Land officials work to maintain east Oahu beach vegetation

HONOLULU (AP) — State land officials are asking homeowners along sections of shoreline in east Oahu to push back encroaching vegetation.

The Department of Land and Natural Resources has given 100 property owners in the Kawaikui Beach Park area 21 days to clear the shoreline or face possible fines starting at $1,000 for a first offense.

Office of Conservation and Coastal Lands administrator Sam Lemmo says the department wants to work with property owners rather than issue fines.

Lemmo said the goal is not to remove the vegetation, but maintain it to ensure public access and protect the surrounding environment.