Bulldozers and state vehicles are brought in to clear shelters put up by Makua Beach residents. Photo by Ken Ige, Star-Bulletin

Sixteen people - five women and 11 men - were arrested this morning as more than 100 state law enforcement, police, National Guard, Fire Department and other officials evicted the illegal beach community. This was the third eviction since 1983.

Native Hawaiians condemned the action, calling it yet another injustice against Hawaiians.

"We utterly reject the state's action as well as the continued violence upon our Hawaiian people," said Keali'i Gora, Oahu chairman of the group Ka'lahui Hawaii. "We feel there should be no forced evictions of Hawaiians on Hawaiian lands."

The group called for Cayetano's resignation.

State Land Board Chairman Mike Wilson estimated that 40 to 50 of the 375 who initially lived at the beach had to be moved.

Three roadblocks were erected at 5:45 a.m. on Farrington Highway, beginning at Keaau Beach Park, Makua dry caves and Yokohama Bay, isolating the beach site.

"It is with great reluctance that I am moving forward with the eviction of the people residing illegally at Makua Beach," Gov. Ben Cayetano said in a statement this morning. "Notwithstanding the state's offer to help and provide assistance, between 30 to 40 people have refused to move and will be forcibly evicted this morning.

"This action is necessary to clean the beach and make improvements for the public at large to enjoy and freely access."

Immediately, the state moved in to raze the illegal shacks and other beach dwellings, stacking the rumble in piles for state transportation dump trucks to haul away.

As the convoy of state cars and trucks drove into the beach community at dawn, a handful of protesters chanted, calling for the return of native lands.

His truck loaded with his and his wife's belongings, Bruce Makahi is out of Makua and talking to reporters at Keaau Park. He doesn't know where he will sleep tonight. Photo by Ken Ige, Star-Bulletin

All of the arrests were done by state public safety officials, sheriff deputies or state conservation law enforcement officers.

Wilson said about half of those arrested were residents. They were all booked on misdemeanor charges of obstruction of government operations.

Several later posted the $50 bail but most appeared prepared to spend the night in jail. All were to be arraigned in court tomorrow.

Among those who appeared at the courthouse was Dennis "Bumpy" Kanahele, head of the Nation of Hawaii sovereignty group in Waimanalo.

"They got some of our people in there," Kanahele said, explaining his presence.

At the start of the eviction, state deputy sheriffs also threatened to arrest television and newspapers reporters and accused them of obstructing the operation.

Later, Wilson said the actions were taken out of need for public safety.

"The needs of the media were secondary," Wilson said.

According to Capt. Charles Anthony, at least 12 National Guard soldiers took part in the eviction effort. He said they were mainly involved with logistics and handling heavy equipment, if needed.

About 40 families remained at the beach despite warnings they would be evicted for illegal camping at the area. They claim the land belongs to native Hawaiians.

Bruce and Virginia Makahi, who have lived at Makua for the past 2-1/2 years said they didn't know where they would be spending tonight.

The couple, Hawaiian sovereignty supporters, said the state had no right to evict them.

"As Hawaiians, we have the right to remain on any ceded Hawaiian lands," said Bruce Makahi, 51. The couple took their belongs in a pickup truck to nearby Keeau Park.

Also at Keeau Park was Lorin Firm who said she and her 31/2 year-old son would probably end up living there, moving only on Wednesdays when groundskeepers come in to clean up.

Once the cleanup has been completed, the state plans to create a new temporary parking area for beach-goers and start work on park facilities.