Authorities clear Salt Pond area of illegal campers, trash

HANAPEPE — State officials took measures Oct. 31 to clean up the Westside’s Salt Pond area and rid it of illegal campers.

Department of Transportation Spokeswoman Caroline Sluyter said sweeps, like the one Wednesday morning, are “pretty standard” and occur several times per year.

“Some of the issues that prompt the cleanups include community complaints, health and sanitation issues and reports of illegal activity,” she said.

The cleanup was carried out by the Department of Lands and Natural Resources and the Department of Transportation. Between 15 and 20 illegal campers, occupying approximately seven different sites, were asked to leave, according to Sluyter, who added that they received a warning two weeks prior.  

“The state initiated a sweep of illegal campers/campsites in the area near Salt Pond/Burns Field Wednesday morning and asked the Kaua‘i Police Department to assist,” county spokeswoman Sarah Blane wrote in an email. “Officers were on scene for a short period. No arrests were made.”

Countless bags of garbage were piled near the park entrance following the cleanup effort.

By 10 a.m. only three individuals, including a 6-month-old baby, were still in the area, seated next to a picnic table covered in their belongings, including tents, cookware, strollers and more.

Natasha Akama, 17, has been living in the area for several months, along with her mother and young son. She said she felt like she was being forced to leave the only place she has to go.

Akama, who had been camping illegally, said she and her family were planning to pick up a permit later that day.

Permits are free for residents who can prove that they have lived in the state for a minimum of 200 days.   

• Chris D’Angelo, lifestyle writer, can be reached at 245-3681 (ext. 241) or lifestyle@thegardenisland.com.