WAILUKU, Maui (AP) — Signs have been posted warning people against trespassing near a crop of sunflowers on Maui that is being grown as part of an experiment to produce biofuel. A growing number of visitors have been attracted to
WAILUKU, Maui (AP) — Signs have been posted warning people against trespassing near a crop of sunflowers on Maui that is being grown as part of an experiment to produce biofuel. A growing number of visitors have been attracted to the yellow flowers that recently started blooming weeks ago.
Pacific Biodiesel Technologies is trying to cut down on the number of people parking along the roadway to view the property. There have also been reports of people stealing the flowers and damaging them.
“It’s disheartening,” said Pacific Biodiesel Vice President Kelly King. “I don’t know what makes people think they have the right to take flowers. We’re happy to share with people, but it’s gotten out of hand.”
The Hawaii-based company posted a statement on its Facebook page last week reminding people that the 7-acre property is a working farm on private property. Access to the property has been restricted for safety reasons, said Kim Sloan, a Pacific Biodiesel spokeswoman.
“People are calling it the latest Maui attraction,” Sloan said. “We didn’t expect this type of excitement or attraction.”
The state Department of Transportation has also put up “no parking” signs by the sunflower field, which is near the intersection of Honoapiilani and Kuihelani highways.
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