KAILUA-KONA — Hawaii County officials asked law enforcement to deal with a number of campers who staked out at Spencer beach park.
On Friday afternoon, Hawaii Police Department Maj. Robert Wagner confirmed about 40 campers without permits are at the beach. While they have been there for some time, it was brought to the attention of the county when permit-holding campers went to the area and found their spots taken.
“The county asked us to go down there and talk to the campers,” Wagner said.
The major said officers went to the Waimea beach to inform them they needed permits to camp.
According to Hawaii County Managing Director Wil Okabe, some of the campers claimed to be from Leilani Estates and the surrounding lower Puna area.
That area currently is the center of several volcanic eruptions, which have displaced at least 2,000 people. More than 20 fissures have opened since May 3 and about 40 structures have been destroyed as of Friday.
Okabe said the individuals camping at Spencer asked to stay a few days and then extended the time.
“We have people who have reserved a year ago and have permits,” Okabe said. “Police are down there and are trying to mitigate the situation.”
He added that all county parks are not shelters. Areas have been made available for those displaced by the eruption.
Okabe said a shelter in Pahoa has the capacity for 800 people. There also is a field for those who want to put up tents. There is food and all the facilities to assist them.
“It’s very unfortunate that some people feel entitled to certain facilities when others have permits,” Okabe said. “They need to leave.”
Wagner couldn’t confirm if any of the campers were displaced by lava.
Email Tiffany DeMasters at tdemasters@westhawaiitoday.com.